While his stats might not jump off the page, Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright has what it takes for the NFL. With a sub-4.4 40-yard dash, Wright is ready to join your dynasty football roster as an electrifying RB.
Profile
- College: Tennessee
- Height: 5’ 11”
- Weight: 215 lbs.
- Age: 20
- Year: Junior
- Draft Projection: Late 2nd / Early 3rd
College Career
| Season | Games | Rushing Attempts | Yards | TDs | Receptions | Receiving Yards | TDs |
| 2021-22 | 9 | 85 | 409 | 4 | 6 | 22 | 0 |
| 2022-23 | 13 | 146 | 875 | 10 | 2 | 8 | 0 |
| 2023-24 | 12 | 137 | 1,013 | 4 | 22 | 141 | 0 |
No stats stand out for Wright, as his career with the Volunteers was solid but unspectacular. Having departed school a year early, He has a limited body of work for NFL teams to grade him on, but his tape fills in the gaps.
Having finally been used to his best abilities in his junior season, Wright can be a dual-threat RB in the league. Blessed with plus-speed and good balance, the former Vols back profiles as a sleeper as he enters the NFL.
Strengths
Breakaway Speed
While Wright was an intriguing prospect heading into the NFL Combine, his blazing 4.38 40-yard dash helped put him firmly on the map. Clocking in as the second-fastest RB at the combine (shoutout to Isaac Guerendo), Wright did precisely what he needed to do to showcase himself to his potential next team.
Jaylen Wright has some wheels if you give him an inch he is gonna house it…
— Jeremy (@PopesFFH) March 28, 2024
He is an exciting prospect 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/UzuIFk2wr6
Wright may be a bit rough around the edges regarding the kind of RB prospect he is, but make no mistake—his speed is no joke.
Patience
It is rare for a rookie RB to enter the league and showcase a developed sense of patience, but Wright may be one of the few in this year’s draft class who has it. Understanding that his physicality won’t play well in the trenches, Wright utilizes a strong sense of patience to wait for plays to develop.
While his patience can sometimes turn into indecision, which can become a negative play, Wright shows enough understanding not to rush into his carries to make this a positive. His general understanding of how to be patient with the rock should put him further ahead in his developmental process, making him more well-rounded.
Vision
If you have plus speed and strong patience, usually vision is associated with this, too—and for Wright, it is. His tape showcases his understanding of where the holes will develop, using his speed to hit the gaps correctly while maintaining a consistent pace.
RBs have been buried in the 2024 draft, but Tennessee’s Jaylen Wright deserves more buzz. He’s a patient runner with elite speed and contact balance that’s ideally suited for a zone scheme. #GBO pic.twitter.com/rbuwNHAPz8
— Kyle Lindemann (@LuckIsMadeFF) March 22, 2024
Zone schemes suit Wright best, as his understanding of play development and running style mesh well. As one of the more well-rounded RB options this year, Wright’s vision stands out early and often on tape.
Weaknesses
Frame
A shorter, stockier back like Wright struggles with running in the trenches, especially runs between the tackles. While he shows plenty of effort, there are times that Wright struggles when getting slogged down by the defensive line.
With the lack of power that comes with a smaller frame, Wright also seems to struggle with yards after contact. Struggling to break tackles means he could have a lower yards per carry average than other rookies, lowering his ceiling.
Receiving Abilities
Wright’s 30 career receptions across his three collegiate years limit his passing game expectations. While an able and willing pass blocker, he needs to improve his hands and route-running abilities.
Not being used much in the passing game shouldn’t be used against Wright. Five games of two-plus receptions speak well of his capabilities but must be smoothed out.
Projected Draft Capital & Dynasty Outlook
With no clear-cut RB1 in this year’s NFL Draft class, the consensus is that there is no consensus. While Wright isn’t suddenly becoming an RB1, his consensus may move into the middle of the second round.
Wright’s speed could have him slightly overdrafted in April, as he should be a second-day pick with volatility. The skills are there for Wright to become an eventual starter, but it likely will take a few seasons for that to happen.
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