Former Tennessee Vols standout named as a second year NFL player poised for a bigger role in 2025

Pro Football Focus recently pointed out a former Tennessee Vols standout as a second year NFL player that's poised for a bigger role in 2025. 

PFF thinks Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright, a fourth round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, will have a bigger role this fall after rushing for 249 yards as a rookie last season. 

Wright was the No. 3 running back on the Dolphins' depth chart last season behind De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert. 

Mostert signed with the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this offseason, clearing the way for Wright to see more action in the Dolphins' backfield in 2025. 

From PFF: The Dolphins traded up to draft Wright in the fourth round (120th overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft. He didn’t get much playing time as a rookie in a crowded backfield behind De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert, seeing just 171 snaps over 15 games.

Wright was productive in his limited action, ranking among the top 20 qualifying running backs in yards after contact per attempt (3.25) and missed tackles forced per attempt (0.24). He also earned an 87.9 PFF overall grade in Week 5 against New England, his only game with 10-plus rushing attempts all season.

Wright’s outlook for 2025 is promising, with Mostert now a member of the Las Vegas Raiders and the Dolphins likely looking to scale back Achane’s workload this year after a 203-carry season. Achane also sees a lot of work as a receiver, as he led all running backs in receptions (78), receiving yards (598) and touchdowns (six) in 2024, and that could scale up in 2025.

Wright, who turned 22 years old in April, had a breakout year during his final season on Rocky Top, rushing for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns while sharing carries with Jabari Small and Dylan Sampson. 

The North Carolina native isn't a bruiser -- he's listed at 5-foot-10/210 lbs -- but he proved during his final two seasons at Tennessee that he's a tough runner who can pick up valuable yards after contact (and "added yards", which accounts for making defenders miss without being touched). Those skills should serve Wright well as he transitions to a bigger role in Miami in 2025.