Tennessee Vols running back Jaylen Wright is entering the NFL with a chip on his shoulder.
The former Vol was selected by the Miami Dolphins on Saturday in the fourth round (No. 120 overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Ahead of this year's draft, numerous analysts felt like Wright was the second best running back in the draft and could be selected as early as the third round.
Instead, Wright was the fifth running back selected. And he didn't hear his name called until day three of the draft.
After getting selected by the Dolphins, Wright spoke with reporters via a video conference call. And he had a message for the teams that passed on him.
"I've got a lot of fire built up in me," said Wright. "Just from this whole process. I'm just ready to get out there and prove my point -- make these people that passed on me, make them feel me. I'm just ready to bring that aggression to the field and make a lot of plays. Make a lot of big plays."
Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright was drafted in the fourth round by the Miami Dolphins today.
— Karthik Venkataraman (@KarthikV_) April 27, 2024
He said he is ready to bring his own punch to the offense and make the teams who passed up on him feel him. pic.twitter.com/nRgYxXZ34g
Wright landed in a great situation for his skillset. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel leans heavily on the running game. And his outside zone blocking scheme should be a perfect fit for Wright's patient approach. His speed combined with his toughness between the tackles should quickly make Wright a favorite of the Miami coaching staff. The former Vol's advanced pass protection skills should also help him see some early playing time in Miami.
The fact that Wright is entering the league with a chip on his shoulder should only serve to fuel him through the inevitable highs and lows that all rookies experience.
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