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PFF points out underrated trait that assures that Tennessee Vols RB Jaylen Wright will have a solid NFL career

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Mar 13, 2024 5:49 PM ET

Tennessee Vols running back Jaylen Wright helped himself quite a bit at the NFL scouting combine earlier this month.

Wright ran a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash, showcasing his elite speed. He also had the longest broad jump of any running back at the combine, further confirming that the Durham, NC native is an exceptional athlete.

The feeling is that after Wright's combine performance, he should be at least a mid-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Jaylen Wright 4.38 2nd unofficial 40 pic.twitter.com/0RofcOyL7b
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) March 2, 2024

It's not just the speed and the athleticism, however, that NFL teams love about Wright.

The former three-star recruit is also tremendous in pass protection.

Pro Football Focus, in fact, suggested this week that Wright is the best pass protector among this year's group of draft eligible running backs.

From PFF: Wright is still raw in terms of vision and patience for those home run plays his athleticism warrants, but his pass protection reps were eye-popping. He is stout when taking on blitzers of all shapes and sizes. That paired with his speed will make him a tempting bet to make for a team on Day 2 of the draft.

Wright, along with former Vols running back Jabari Small (who is also eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft), was always solid in pass protection at Tennessee -- that's a big part of what kept Dylan Sampson from seeing more action in 2022 and 2023.

PFF's note about Wright's vision and home run plays, however, is a bit puzzling.

Wright showed drastic improvement with his patience and vision in 2023 -- that's a big reason why he averaged an impressive 7.4 yards per carry.

And he had several "home runs" in 2023 -- all four of his rushing touchdowns were 42 yards or more (with two over 75 yards).