FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jaylen Wright
Jaylen Wright (RB – Tennessee)
5’11” – 210 lbs.
Background:
Jaylen Wright was a three-star recruit out of Durham, North Carolina. He rotated into the offense over nine games as a true freshman, finishing with a line of 85-409-4 (4.8), plus six catches. Led the team in rushing the past two seasons with 146-875-10 (6.0) as a sophomore and 137-1,013-4 (7.4) this past season, functioning as part of a rotation. Also added 22-141 receiving this year after catching just two passes for eight yards in 2022.
Positives:
Efficiency and output have escalated in each season he’s been in school. A pretty well-built back who runs with good knee bend and a low center of gravity. Predominantly a between-the-tackles runner on gap concepts from shotgun formations but he can also run off-tackle from those looks. Decisive player whose no-nonsense approach should appeal to some teams. Shows some ability to recognize cut-back lanes, with pretty clean footwork when shuffling. Weaves through congestion and gets what’s blocked for him, limiting negative-yardage plays. Works hard to finish with good competitiveness and leg drive after contact. Looked like an effective goal-line rusher, especially in 2022. Was retained in pass protection for over 200 career snaps and significantly improved in that regard each year. Made strides in some elements of his game in 2023, which had been weaknesses in the past, such as ball security and integration into the passing game.
Negatives:
Was never really asked to carry a huge workload; only two career games with over 20 carries. Blocking created some big holes for him and he didn’t create a ton on his own. Overall speed and explosiveness are solid but may not be quite a home-run hitter at the next level. He runs hard but doesn’t break a ton of tackles; his actual lower-body strength to rack up yards after contact is closer to average. Fumbled four times on 148 touches as a sophomore (including his two receptions.) Value as a receiver was limited to functioning as a safety valve. Took a handful of snaps out of the slot this year but his overall average depth of target was nearly two yards behind the line of scrimmage — most slot targets were screens.
Summary:
A solid, efficient player with a direct approach, above-average vision, clean cuts and good overall competitiveness. He may lack ideal physical and athletic tools — he’s not the most explosive or powerful runner — but looks like a serviceable member of a running back committee in the future, especially because he’s become pretty effective in pass protection. Probably more of a mid-round consideration.
Projection: Round 5/Round 6
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