Jaylen Wright Believes He Can Be No. 1 Back

Former Tennessee Volunteers running back Jaylen Wright believes he could be the No. 1 running back off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Former Tennessee Volunteers running back Jaylen Wright believes he could be the No. 1 running back off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright recently appeared on the "Bleav in Tennessee Football" podcast, hosted by Jay Graham and Aaron Hayden, two former Volunteers. Wright dished on various topics, from NIL to his NFL Draft status.

Some thought Wright could opt to return for his senior season. He ended up forgoing his final year of eligibility and opting out of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. Wright explained his decision and thought process for those decisions.

"I felt like I had the tape to come out and be the best back, so at the end of the day, I mean, I just took a bet on myself, so I’m betting on myself right now, and I feel I can be the top back and I’m here now." - Jaylen Wright on his decision to enter the NFL Draft

He didn't have as much workload put on him as other top running backs going through this process, which is a win for NFL evaluators. Furthermore, he's only 20 years old and will be 21 for the duration of his rookie season. He's now considered one of the most athletic backs in the class.

Jaylen Wright's NFL Combine Measurements

• 40 Yard Dash: 4.38 (2nd among RBs)
• Broad Jump: 11'2" (1st among RBs)
• Vertical Jump: 38" (4th among RBs)

Wright hit 15 miles per hour within the first five yards of his second 40-yard dash attempt, which is the fastest time and acceleration measured over that distance by a running back in the past two seasons at the NFL Combine.

Former Tennessee Volunteers RB Jaylen Wright during drills at the 2024 NFL Combine. (Photo by Kirby Lee of USA Today Sports)

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