The Dolphins already had the most explosive running back duo in 2023, but they're looking to add to that explosiveness in 2024.
Miami traded up with the Eagles to move up to No. 120 in the 2024 NFL Draft, sending a 2025 third-round selection to Philadelphia for the 2024 fourth-round selection. With that pick, the Dolphins selected speedy Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright.
Wright is certainly not a reach for the Dolphins. He was projected by some to be a Day 2 pick as one of the top running backs off the board.
However, the Dolphins' depth at running back had plenty questioning the decision not just to draft Wright, but also to trade up and make a move for him.
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Dolphins RB depth chart
- Raheem Mostert
- De'Von Achane
- Jaylen Wright
- Jeff Wilson Jr.
- Salvon Ahmed
Why did the Dolphins trade up for Jaylen Wright?
The Dolphins have plenty of other needs beyond running back, but the decision to move up and land Wright has merit.
Miami did not pick again until pick No. 158, 38 spots away from the Eagles' selection, and not long after the Dolphins' selection, there was a run on fourth-round running backs. Tampa Bay used the No. 125 selection on Oregon's Bucky Irving. At pick No. 127, the Eagles took Clemson back Will Shipley. At pick No. 128, the Bills selected Kentucky RB Ray Davis. The 49ers traded up to pick No. 129 to land Louisville's Isaac Guerendo shortly before the Jets used the No. 134 pick for Wisconsin's Braelon Allen.
Wright's elite speed and shiftiness made him one of the more explosive options in the class, so even though he was part of the class-wide slide down the draft board, that shouldn't be viewed as a knock on his talent.
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And though the Dolphins have one of the best running back rooms in the NFL, there are reasons to doubt the durability of their backs. Mostert is 32, and in his nine-year NFL career, he's appeared in more than 11 games only three times, including both of the past two seasons.
Achane is only 22 and is coming off an impressive rookie season. However, he played just 11 games, as he was hampered by a knee injury.
Wright will provide several uses for Miami. He'll be a starting-caliber running back who can fill in should either running back sustain an injury. He'll also share the load that could help keep the other two healthy.
Running backs have often been undervalued in drafts due to the success teams have found with backs found late on Day 3. Miami is making sure it takes advantage of the solid options on the board early and gets its pick of the backs.
Jaylen Wright 40 time
Wright ran a blazing 4.38 40 in the 2024 NFL Combine. A year earlier, Achane posted a 4.32 time.
Mostert ran a 43.4 40 back in 2015.
Jaylen Wright stats
| Year | School | G | Rush Att | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Recs | Rec Yds |
| 2021 | Tennessee | 9 | 85 | 409 | 4 | 6 | 22 |
| 2022 | Tennessee | 13 | 146 | 875 | 10 | 2 | 8 |
| 2023 | Tennessee | 12 | 137 | 1013 | 4 | 22 | 141 |
| Career | Tennessee | 34 | 368 | 2297 | 18 | 30 | 171 |
