JW #5

Jaylen Wright

Running Back · Tennessee

A speedy fourth-round pick out of Tennessee whom Miami traded up to get, giving the Dolphins a home-run threat in a crowded backfield.

Jaylen Wright was one of the fastest running backs in his draft class, and the Dolphins traded a future third-round pick to move up and grab him in the fourth round in 2024. He has settled in as a complementary piece behind Miami's more established backs, providing a big-play element whenever his number is called.

★ Led FBS with 7.4 yards per carry (2023)

★ First Tennessee running back to rush for 1,000+ yards since Jalen Hurd (2015)

★ 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine

Path to the league

Wright broke out as a junior at Tennessee in 2023, rushing for 1,023 yards and four touchdowns while leading all of FBS with 7.4 yards per carry, becoming the first Tennessee back to top 1,000 rushing yards since Jalen Hurd in 2015. At the combine he ran a blistering 4.38-second 40-yard dash. Miami traded a 2025 third-round pick to Philadelphia to move up and select Wright with the 120th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Career highlights

Wright joined a deep Miami backfield as a rookie alongside Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane, carving out early opportunities as a change-of-pace runner who could break off explosive gains thanks to his elite speed. He became the first Tennessee running back drafted since John Kelly in 2018.

2025 season recap

Wright played in 10 games in 2025, rushing for 288 yards on a 4.1 yards-per-carry average with two touchdowns, while adding five catches for 44 yards through the air. He continued in a complementary role in Miami's backfield, flashing big-play ability when given carries.