MIAMI GARDENS ― There were many times when Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright could be seen moping around the locker room over the past two seasons.
Miami gave up a future third-round pick to move up for the speedster from Tennessee in 2024.
But Wright has averaged only 5.5 carries and 21.5 yards per game over his first two seasons.
With a new head coach, Jeff Hafley, and fresh approach, Wright says he’s in a better place.
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During a training camp interview, Wright was even spotted smiling a few times.
“Mentally, I feel like I’ve grown the most,” Wright said after Miami’s second training camp practice of 2026. “Mentally, not as far as physically, I feel like I had it, but it’s just mental, the mental part was really hard for me. Just knowing how the game goes, just knowing the league, it’s a lot of stuff you can’t control in this league. You know what I mean?”
Miami Dolphins depth chart: Jaylen Wright or Ollie Gordon
There were times Wright was a healthy scratch. After a poor preseason last year, Wright was pretty easily overtaken by rookie Ollie Gordon II as RB2 behind De’Von Achane.
“It’s just a mental thing, just being too hard on myself, you know what I mean?” Wright continued. “Not having the confidence that I used to have, you know what I mean? So I just let it all go, let all the worry go, and now I’m just playing football, so it’s just great.”
Wright has shown glimpses of the speed and power that caused Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel to enthusiastically move up for him in the draft.
“Fast, explosive,” first-year coach Hafley said. “You know, when he hits it and gets vertical, he can really go. I think he’s a good scheme fit. I love the way he practices. I love the way he finishes. And he’s compact. He’s strong. He’s a harder guy to tackle. And excited to see him in live settings. That would be fun.”
One thing Wright said he worked on this offseason was pass-catching. Wright has only eight catches on 15 attempts over two seasons.
Wright vs. Gordon should be an intriguing training camp battle. Gordon emerged as Miami’s short-yardage back last season, but faded after an excellent start.
Wright and Gordon really cannot be separated at the moment.
“We’re going to need all those guys,” Hafley said.
Why? Well, Miami coaches seem super-committed to actually running the ball regularly in 2026.
“Running that rock is very important,” Wright said. “It’s crucial. I’m happy that this coaching staff is really invested into the O line a lot. Got more players. These guys, I trust those guys in front. I’m ready to go to work. And go to war with them.”
Wright and Gordon will be vying for carries behind Pro Bowl running back De’Von Achane. Wright suggested he has been motivated by watching Achane’s success up close.
“How he goes about his business,” Wright said of the takeaway. “How he’s intentional with every rep.”
Dolphins players have suggested work ethic is not a problem for Wright. There has been some maturation required. Wright entered the league at 21 years old.
Now, Wright is suggesting patience off and on the field is required.
‘I had to mature,’ Jaylen Wright says
“Last year, my biggest thing, and exactly what you said, it was when I got in the game, it was, ‘I got to do this. I got to make a play, this, that,’ ” Wright said. “And that’s not good. Take what they’re giving you. Take the little runs. The big runs are going to come. That’s how I had to mature my mind about the game. Like I said, control what I can control. So I’ll be ready when them opportunities come, them big runs come. It’s going to happen. I’m going to go all the way to the house with it.”
Wright’s biggest plays have come with bursts through the middle. He is particularly excited about the massive left side of Patrick Paul and Kadyn Proctor.
“I mean, it’s just really like pressing the blocks,” Wright said. “I mean, I’d use them as my shield. You know what I mean? So, I love to be behind those big boys.”
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins depth chart battle: Jaylen Wright vs. Ollie Gordon II
Reporting by Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post | USA TODAY Network
