Wright’s 2025 play was far better than his production
As the Miami Dolphins gear up for the 2025 NFL season, one player poised for a breakout is second year running back Jaylen Wright. After a modest rookie campaign, Wright has shown significant growth during the offseason, positioning himself as a key contributor in Miami’s backfield. But in the evaluation of his rookie campaign the blocking of the poor offensive line shouldn’t be forgotten. And in truth, when you consider how poor the blocking was, it should get Phins fans excited about what Wright can do if the O-line really does improve.
A Promising Start… in context
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Wright’s rookie season saw limited action behind established veterans Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane. He recorded 249 rushing yards on 68 carries, averaging 3.7 yards per attempt. While his opportunities were sparse, Wright demonstrated flashes of his potential, including a notable 13-carry, 86-yard performance against the New England Patriots.
It’s important to factor in Wright had just 1.9 yards before contact (34th least). Compare Wright’s broken tackle rate with Jonathan Taylor, who had 8th best YPC and Rico Dowdle, 15th best YBC, and you can see Wright ran hard and made the most of little.
Offseason Development
Determined to make a more significant impact in 2025, Wright dedicated himself to improving his physical conditioning and understanding of the Dolphins’ offensive scheme. He added six pounds of muscle during the offseason, enhancing his durability and power. Head coach Mike McDaniel has acknowledged Wright’s commitment, noting his improved attention to detail and readiness for an expanded role.
With the departure of Raheem Mostert, Wright is expected to see increased opportunities in the Dolphins’ backfield. He complements Achane’s speed with his own blend of power and agility, making him a versatile asset in both rushing and passing situations. Wright’s ability to gain yards after contact and his proficiency in pass protection make him a valuable asset in Miami’s dynamic offensive system.
I did a film breakdown of his play here to show how well he did despite the poor framework.
Outlook for 2025 is good if the blocking improves
As the Dolphins aim to enhance their running game, Wright’s development is crucial and you can bet with the best pay per head, even more so the development of this new offensive line and secondary blockers. Let’s see who it shapes up…
…but I’m more uncertain about the blocking than I am of Wright running hard. Go Phins!!!