The Miami Dolphins are expected to continue to emphasize a strong running game under the direction of head coach Mike McDaniel. Under McDaniel's direction, the Dolphins have developed a powerful rushing attack using multiple running backs. Last season, Miami led the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns thanks to contributions from players such as Raheem Mostert and Devon Achan. To add to their running back depth, Miami drafted Jalen Wright out of the University of Tennessee. Wright showed promise in his NFL debut in the preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
Miami Dolphins RB Jalen Wright: Dominant performance in pro debut
Miami running back Jalen Wright (25) runs with the football during mandatory minicamp at the Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens, Florida, USA, June 4, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro – USA TODAY Sports/Sam Navarro – USA TODAY Sports
On Friday, the Miami Dolphins played their preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons. The AFC East club benched several starters, including their go-to rushing duo of Raheem Mostert and Devon Acchane. Miami's resting of starters created an opportunity for rookie fourth-round pick Jalen Wright, out of the Tennessee Volunteers. Wright attempted 10 rushes for 55 yards and scored on a long rush of 14 yards.
Dolphins running back Jalen Wright's NFL debut so far:
10 rushes
55 yds
1TD
It looks like Miami has added another playmaker.pic.twitter.com/fkqFmnGnQM
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) August 10, 2024
In the third quarter, Wright received a screen pass from quarterback Mike White, but a missed catch and lack of blocking on the outside put Wright in a big yardage loss. However, the speedster evaded a tackle, reversed field, scrambled to the edge and then cut down field for a 15-yard gain. In the second quarter, Wright received a handoff at the goal line and the Dolphins made a strong run out of an I-formation. Wright received a great block, but made a great cut and found the seam for a 5-yard gain.
Jalen Wright: The epic college career
Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Wright (0) passes Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Andre Phillips (23) for a touchdown to give the Volunteers the lead early in the first quarter. October 28, 2023 (Miami Dolphins, Miami Dolphins)
Jalen Wright, a three-star recruit in the 2021 class, played for the Tennessee Volunteers. As a freshman, Wright ran for 409 yards and four scores and caught six passes for 22 yards. In 2022, Wright ran for 875 yards and a career-high 10 scores. However, the North Carolina native had his most efficient season last year, averaging a healthy 7.4 yards on 137 carries. He rushed for 1,154 yards and four touchdowns.
The Miami Dolphins wasted a fourth-round pick in the following draft on Wright, who became the fifth-leading rusher selected out of Tennessee, behind Jonathan Brooks, Trey Benson, Blake Corum and Marshawn Lloyd.
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