It didn’t take long for former Tennessee Vols RB Jaylen Wright to prove that the Miami Dolphins were right to go after him in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The rookie running back saw limited action in the Dolphins 20-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons to start off the preseason. However, he made the touches he did receive count in big ways.
Jaylen Wright is a SMOOTH operator! Six for the rookie ‼️😮💨 pic.twitter.com/F6HsSufxHB
— Bobby Shouse (@B_Shousejr) August 10, 2024
The rookie back scored the Dolphins’ winning points on a six-yard touchdown run late in the first half.
Jaylen Wright is a SMOOTH operator! Six for the rookie ‼️😮💨 pic.twitter.com/F6HsSufxHB
— Bobby Shouse (@B_Shousejr) August 10, 2024
The breakthrough came after Wright showed his burst and power on a pair of back-to-back runs in the second quarter that both resulted in first downs for the Dolphins.
There was a buzz inside Hard Rock Stadium as rookie RB Jaylen Wright of Tennessee flashed on three straight carries. Speed. Strength. Burst. Yeah, he fits this Miami Dolphins scheme like a glove.
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) August 10, 2024
However, it was his cross-field run for a 14-yard gain (for which he probably ran about double that) that got social media burning up about the rookie’s potential.
Wright took a swing pass (which turned out to be a lateral), bobbled it, secured it, saw the defense swarming him, and cut across the field and up for the first down.
Jaylen Wright is making moves for the @MiamiDolphins
📱: Stream #ATLvsMIA on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/qYWJLaUhw5
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024
Wright eventually gave way to Chris Brooks in the third quarter, but there was no need for the rookie to continue going. Ten touches was a good total for his first ever NFL game.
Wright joins a very crowded backfield which De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert spearheaded last year. Achane has a chance to lead the backfield this year, but Wright showed on Friday night that his athleticism and vision will make it hard to keep him on the sideline for too long this year.
We’ll see if the former Vols standout can continue to build momentum in the Dolphins’ second preseason game next Saturday night against the Washington Commanders.
