The Miami Dolphins are finding themselves in a bit of a pickle with some of their drafting decisions. Let’s rewind the clock a little to when they drafted Patrick Paul, a move that made perfect sense as a forward-thinking strategy to eventually replace the seasoned Terron Armstead. That was a win in terms of planning for the future.
Fast forward to 2024, and the Dolphins made a more questionable decision when they decided to trade up into the fourth round, forking over a 2025 third-round pick in the process, to grab Jaylen Wright. Now, Wright may have been seen as a reliable running back in the draft pool, but he wasn’t exactly a pressing need for the team at that moment.
Running backs have been easier to come by in free agency, thanks to the dip in salaries for that position. In fact, NFL teams have shifted away from spending early-round picks on running backs, which only makes the Dolphins’ decision to spend future draft capital on Wright more puzzling.
The motivation for head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier to secure a fourth-round pick was palpable, considering they were without one that year. Yet, the big question remains—was it really necessary to pounce on Wright, especially given his underwhelming debut season?
Wright’s stats echo this sentiment: in 77 rushing attempts, he notched up 282 yards and failed to hit the end zone. With only three receptions for 8 yards, his contribution to the offense wasn’t as impactful as anticipated.
This misstep in the draft is echoing into 2025 as well. Wright was essentially a two-pick investment—the fourth rounder they used to draft him and the 79th overall pick they won’t get in this year’s draft. That pick could have been pivotal in snagging a talented player like running back Cam Skattebo or even shoring up other critical areas like the offensive line, cornerback, defensive tackle, or safety.
There’s no denying that Wright has potential; his agility and burst give him a high ceiling. However, his current value on the roster falls short of what the Dolphins sacrificed, particularly when considering the missed opportunity with this year’s 79th pick.
Looking to the future, Chris Grier has some learning to do. It’s imperative that he resists the temptation to splurge future draft capital on positions that might not be immediate priorities.
The focus has to shift to bringing in players who can make an immediate impact and fortify the roster in the present. The room for error is narrowing, and the Dolphins need to fine-tune their vision not just to survive but to thrive in the NFL landscape.
