PFF predicts that former Tennessee Vols standout will be one of the NFL's most improved players in 2025
Pro Football Focus thinks a former Tennessee Vols running back will be one of the NFL's most improved players in 2025. Earlier this week, PFF predicted the most improved player at each position in the NFL. They went with former Vols running back Jaylen Wright at the running back position. Wright, who spent three seasons […]
Pro Football Focus thinks a former Tennessee Vols running back will be one of the NFL's most improved players in 2025.
Earlier this week, PFF predicted the most improved player at each position in the NFL. They went with former Vols running back Jaylen Wright at the running back position.
Wright, who spent three seasons at Tennessee, was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The North Carolina native rushed for 249 yards as a rookie in 2024 while playing behind De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert.
From PFF: There was little confusion with the Dolphins’ reasoning behind drafting Wright in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Wright has what the Dolphins covet: speed. And he has a lot of it. However, opportunities were limited for Wright in his rookie season. He carried the ball just 68 times for 249 yards, averaging a meagre 3.7 yards per attempt and earning a 65.3 grade. Wright had just 71 total touches, with De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert earning 281 and 104 touches, respectively.
Wright won’t be usurping Achane as the lead running back in the Dolphins' offense. Achane’s 91.3 grade since 2023 is the third-highest among running backs, but Wright will earn more carries in 2025. Mostert left to join the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency, and though the Dolphins signed Alexander Mattison in free agency, he presents himself more as a short-yardage back – something the Dolphins have needed in the past – and averaged just 3.2 yards per attempt in 2024.
An improved interior offensive line factors into Wright’s predicted improvement, too. The Dolphins signed James Daniels in free agency and drafted Jonah Savaiinaea in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and their presence inside could open up more holes to be exploited between the tackles. Wright will get ample time to flash his talent in 2025, and there’s reason to believe he’ll deliver.
Wright, who just turned 22 in April, will have a big opportunity with the Dolphins this fall. The former Vol will operate as the No. 2 running back on Miami's depth chart in 2025, which means he should see plenty of action in Mike McDaniel's run-heavy offense.
