Who Is Jaylen Wright?
Jaylen Wright is a professional running back for the Miami Dolphins, drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft after starring at the University of Tennessee. At Tennessee, he rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2023 and earned second-team All-SEC honors, showcasing the explosiveness and vision that drew NFL attention.
In his rookie year with Miami, Wright appeared in 15 games and logged limited but valuable action behind a veteran-heavy backfield. Coaches and analysts viewed him as a developmental runner with the tools to grow into a bigger role, particularly in an offense built around speed and outside-zone concepts.
Week 14 Breakout and Current Buzz
Wright’s profile rose sharply following a breakout Week 14 performance in the 2025 season against the New York Jets, when De'Von Achane left the game with a rib injury. Given lead-back responsibilities, Wright handled 24 carries for 107 yards and his first NFL touchdown in a 34-10 victory, setting career highs in volume and production.
That game highlighted his ability to create yards after contact, force missed tackles, and sustain drives as a primary ball carrier. As a result, he has become a central talking point in discussions of Miami’s backfield hierarchy and a popular waiver-wire target in fantasy leagues seeking late-season running back upside.
Role in Miami’s Offense and Fantasy Impact
Within the Dolphins’ offense, Wright now profiles as the primary backup and injury contingency to Achane, especially after the departures of veterans who previously absorbed complementary carries. His skill set fits Miami’s scheme, and his Week 14 showcase suggests the coaching staff can trust him with heavier workloads when needed.
For fantasy football, Wright’s value is closely tied to game script and backfield health: he is a high-upside handcuff who can deliver starting-caliber production in weeks where he sees 15-plus touches. Even when Achane is active, favorable matchups and run-heavy game plans down the stretch could keep Wright in the conversation as a speculative flex option and a key depth piece on competitive rosters.