Key Takeaways:
– The Miami Dolphins’ choice of Jaylen Wright in the draft may signal potential changes in the team’s running back roster.
– Jeff Wilson Jr., Chris Brooks and Salvon Ahmed — currently under contract — face stiff competition for their spots.
– Brian Miller of FanSided argues that the cap savings from restructuring Jeff Wilson’s Jr. contract might outweigh his impact as a potential RB4.
– The Wright selection, though initially met with mixed feelings, has since garnered a “B+” rating, with analyst Oliver Hodgkinson citing Wright’s explosiveness as a major plus for the Dolphins.
The Latest in Miami Dolphin’s Roster Shuffles
The Miami Dolphins caused a stir in the recent NFL draft when they decided to select Tennessee running back, Jaylen Wright. The unexpected move has raised the stakes among the existing running backs, which includes Jeff Wilson Jr., Chris Brooks and Salvon Ahmed.
Analysts speculate that the three running backs are competing for quite limited positions on the team. Adam Beasley, the Dolphins correspondent for Pro Football Network, relayed that it is unlikely for an NFL team to maintain five running backs, suggesting some tough choices ahead for the Dolphins.
The Fierce Contest for the Running Back Position
Despite the stiff competition, Chris Brooks might be at an advantage due to his age (24) and noteworthy performance in the past year. But speculations suggest that Jeff Wilson Jr. might not guarantee a roster spot come the summer training camp. RotoBaller’s Keith Hernandez suggests that even though Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel appreciates Wilson’s work ethic, his inconsistency, marked by a lackluster performance in the 2023 season, could affect his chances.
The Financial Implication of Wilson Jr.’s Persistence
Although a restructuring of Wilson Jr.’s contract has been implemented, FanSided’s Brian Miller suggests that the savings, around $1.2 million, are not compelling enough to justify his retention. Miller further shared that the true contest might not be between the new draft pick — Wright and Wilson Jr. — but between Wilson Jr. and Chris Brooks.
Brooks, according to Miller, showed excellent potential last year, which makes his release unlikely in 2024. The likelihood of Wilson Jr. being released or sidelined to the practice squad is, therefore, on the cards. Ahmed, recovering from an injury, may also become a practice squad candidate given his familiarity with the Dolphins’ system.
The Reception for Jaylen Wright’s Selection
Contrary to the initial skepticism that met Jaylen Wright’s selection, the tide has started to turn. While some felt that other areas deserved more prioritization in the draft, others lauded the decision. Pro Football Network’s Oliver Hodgkinson conferred a ‘B+’ grade to Wright, commending him as an exciting addition to the Dolphins’ offensive play.
Already boasting impressive speeds of up to 23.7 mph, Wright could prove to be a significant pick for the Dolphins. Standing alongside players like Achane, Mostert, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the prospect of possible synergy among them offers an exciting matchup against opposition defenses.
In conclusion, the Miami Dolphins’ draft decision has set the stage for a shake-up in their running back roster. While the impact of these changes won’t be evident until the start of the new season, the anticipation is palpable, suggesting an intriguing future ahead for Miami’s running back game.