Jaylen Wright demonstrated flashes of potential during his rookie season with the Miami Dolphins, particularly early on where he achieved an average of 5.3 yards per carry across his first 36 rushing attempts. As he heads into the 2025 season, he is poised to take on the role of primary backup, competing with new signings Alexander Mattison and Ollie Gordon II for a position in the Dolphins’ backfield.
Throughout the 2024 season, Wright’s path to getting snaps was complicated by the presence of established players like Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane, both of whom ranked among the top five in fantasy points per game for running backs the previous year. As a fourth-round draft pick, Wright found himself initially buried on the depth chart and remained inactive during the first week of the season. However, injuries to both Mostert and Achane opened the door for Wright, allowing him to show what he could do. When Mostert missed several weeks due to injury, Wright capitalized on the opportunity, logging his best performance in Week 5 with 13 carries for 86 yards.
Despite the promising start, Wright faced challenges as the season progressed. His effectiveness dwindled, and he ended the year with only nine carries in the last six matches. He also struggled to make a significant impact in the passing game, catching just three passes for a total of eight yards.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Dolphins have revamped their running back lineup. They moved on from Mostert and Wilson, positioning Wright potentially as the second option. Yet, with the acquisitions of Mattison and Gordon, both of whom boast larger builds suitable for short-yardage situations, Wright may see limited opportunities, particularly in critical game scenarios.
Wright’s future performing in Mike McDaniel’s system hinges on improving his receiving capabilities, as the offensive scheme encourages involvement from running backs in the passing game. Additionally, the Dolphins’ offensive line will need to perform better than last season when they were hindered by poor run blocking, affecting the entire rushing attack.
In summary, while Jaylen Wright possesses the potential to emerge as a valuable contributor, his fantasy upside appears limited due to competition for touches and concerns surrounding the offensive line. Nevertheless, he remains an intriguing prospect, and continued development in his second season may lead to enhanced opportunities moving forward. With a renewed focus on his conditioning and skills, Wright can strive for greater involvement in the Dolphins’ offense.