Dolphins ultra-fast rookie RB named 'draft day steal' following strong preseason

Chris Roling

Dolphins ultra-fast rookie RB named 'draft day steal' following strong preseason image

The Jaylen Wright secret for the Miami Dolphins isn’t going to last much longer. 

Wright, a fourth-round pick by the Dolphins, exploded onto the scene in the team’s preseason opener, scoring a touchdown on a 5.5 per-carry average over 10 attempts.

What was once a secret not getting a ton of attention has gone national, with Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox tabbing Wright as one of the 10 rookies already looking like steals: 

“While the Dolphins backfield is likely too crowded for Wright to emerge as an every-down runner this season, it's looking like the rookie can be much more than just a fast and flashy change of pace.”

That Miami backfield might be crowded with Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane already topping the depth chart. But Wright’s 4.38 40-yard-dash speed and proven track record, courtesy of his 7.4 yards per carry at Tennessee last season, have flashed plenty during training camp. 

Considering Achane only suited up for 11 games last season, and the 32-year-old Mostert handled 209 carries, there’s room for a third back in the rotation—and Wright might just have the juice to earn more than Jeff Wilson Jr.’s 41 carries from last season. 

Wright always looked like a good value and fit in Mike McDaniel’s offense alongside Tua Tagovailoa. His explosive NFL debut indeed has him no longer looking like a sleeper, but a steal and breakout candidate.

 

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Chris Roling

Chris Roling Photo

Chris Roling has covered the NFL since 2010 with stints at Bleacher Report, USA TODAY Sports Media Group and others. Raised a Bengals fan in the '90s, the Andy Dalton era was smooth sailing by comparison. He graduated from the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University and remains in Athens.