There's speed sprinkled throughout the Miami Dolphins' wide receiver and running back corps.
Never one to let his foot off the gas, head coach Mike McDaniel and the Fins contingent added even more to an already speedy stable of running backs in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa noted Tuesday that Jaylen Wright, a fourth-round draft choice and the shiniest new toy in McDaniel's backfield, has been quick to adjust to Miami's way of doing things.
"He's acclimated pretty quick," Tagovailoa said Tuesday, via team transcript.
Just how quick Wright is was seen in the team's preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons, a 20-13 win buoyed by Wright's performance. The Tennessee product scored a 6-yard touchdown on a day in which he produced 55 yards on 10 carries (5.5 yards per tote).
"I think that was one of the first times I can really say that I've seen his personality with running the ball," Tagovailoa said. "Runs the ball and then throws one of those -- I was like OK, he's got some swag to him."
Wright has been thrust into a Miami running back room with Pro Bowler Raheem Mostert and second-season sensation De’Von Achane atop the depth chart. The room also houses Wright, Jeff Wilson, Salvon Ahmed and Chris Brooks. Speaking Monday, McDaniel essentially communicated that you can never have too many.
"I mean, who says we have to stop at two?" McDaniel said, via team transcript. "Maybe we can just have four. I think you have to let the players determine who gets the ball and how frequently and how much during the game, and that's very important. I think the cool thing when you have a position group that on the front end you know by NFL standards is very, very talented -- one of the most, if not the most talented that you can remember or you've been on teams with -- you don't worry about how that is going to unfold. You let it unfold and it's always very obvious."
Wright's fit in Miami's offense was obvious at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine when he blazed to a 4.38 40-yard dash. His fleet feet transferred to the playing field against the Falcons, too.
It was a positive first impression left by Wright, but Tagovailoa believes he's still getting going, still finding his way within a star-laden offense.
"I think he's still trying to feel out the guys, he's still trying to feel out the offense," Tagovailoa said. "I think once he feels comfortable and gets comfortable, then I think we'll all start to see his personality flourish."
