Five logical destinations for former Tennessee Vols RB Jaylen Wright in the 2024 NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is just days away, and soon enough hundreds of college football players will hear their names called across three days and seven rounds from Detroit, Michigan. A handful of former Tennessee Volunteers could hear their names called, and the first among them will almost certainly be RB Jaylen Wright. Wright projects by […]
The NFL Draft is just days away, and soon enough hundreds of college football players will hear their names called across three days and seven rounds from Detroit, Michigan.
A handful of former Tennessee Volunteers could hear their names called, and the first among them will almost certainly be RB Jaylen Wright. Wright projects by many draft pundits to be among the first running backs selected after a strong Combine showing.
Here are five teams who are good fits for the former Vol.
1) Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys were surprising non-players in free agency, which saw starting RB Tony Pollard off to the Tennessee Titans in free agency. The 2023 NFC 2 seed Cowboys could use a playmaker at the position to help them get over the hump, so spending a day two pick (they hold picks 56 and 87) could make a lot of sense for them. Protecting Dak Prescott should also be a priority, so picking up the draft's best pass blocking back in Wright makes sense.
2) New York Giants
With Saquon Barkley off to Philadelphia, the Giants' running back room includes Devin Singletary, former Vol Eric Gray, and a whole lot of mediocre. If the Giants are looking to grab one of the draft's top backs, then they could pull the trigger with the 70th overall pick in Round 3. The Giants allowed the most sacks in the league last year by a wide margin, something Wright could help try to reduce. Think a reunion with Jalin Hyatt might draw some interest in Knoxville?
3) Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have leaned heavily on James Conner, who has a substantial injury history. Behind him are an unremarkable list of players, with Emari Demercado having shown the most promise. Wright would immediately vault to the second-best back on the roster by a significant margin and give the physical Conner a fast complement.
4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs have Rachaad White, who totaled over 1500 yards from scrimmage while proving to be an adept three-down back in 2023. However, there isn't much in the way of quality behind him, and new offensive coordinator Liam Coen has talked this offseason about fixing the running game. Creating a good one-two punch with a runner like Wright could be a logical move, and the Bucs have two picks in the third round at 89 and 92.
5) Las Vegas Raiders
Are any of Alexander Mattison, Zamir White, Ameer Abdullah, Brandon White, or the handful of other backs on the roster capable of filling the shoes of Josh Jacobs? Doesn't really seem like it. Wright would provide an immediate upgrade if he's still there when the Raiders are on the clock at pick number 77.
