JETS COUNTRY PROSPECT SERIES: Jersey Shore Hidden Gem Holds Value Heading into NFL Draft

Monmouth RB Owen Wright has pro potential as a short-yardage back and beyond

He doesn't deliver the fanfare that comes with drafting Texas record-breaker Bijan Robinson, but overlook Owen Wright at your own risk.

The sturdy Wright, who was a special teams leader at NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) member Monmouth, may be the most-intriguing small-school running back prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft Class.

He isn’t close to Robinson on any draftnik’s RB Big Board, but he has traits that will most definitely attract NFL interest as the three-day Draft (April 27-29) approaches.

Although overshadowed in the national headlines by Monmouth teammate Jaden Shirden's Walter Payton Award candidacy, Wright was more than noticeable to pro scouts during his final collegiate season.

The 5-foot-9 Wright, who was extremely effective in red-zone situations when taking snaps out of wildcat formation, totaled 17 touchdowns over Monmouth’s 11-game slate last fall.

“I think he’s the best short-yardage runner in the 2023 NFL Draft class,” said NFL Draft Bible founder Ric Serritella.

Complementing Shirden in the Hawks’ high-powered offense, the hard-running Wright totaled 328 yards from scrimmage and found the end zone on 16 of his 72 rushing attempts in 2022.

The bruising back can motor, too. In a Colonial Athletic Association game against Albany, Wright went 99 yards on a record-tying touchdown run.

This past January, the NFLPA Bowl invited Wright to its annual all-star experience in Pasadena, CA, where Serritella studied the Monmouth touchdown machine throughout the week.

RB Owen Wright during NFLPA Bowl practice in Pasadena, CA :: Kevin Koski / NFLPA Bowl

“One of my favorite players in attendance,” said Serritella, who serves as an advance scout for the event.

“It was a really surreal feeling getting out there with all those pro coaches that once played,” said Wright about the environment during NFLPA Bowl Week. “Personally, for me it was great to see the Rose Bowl Stadium, a very historic stadium.”

Serritella coined Wright a “Weigh-In Winner” after the 5-foot-9 bruiser tipped the scales at 220 pounds and measured 10-inch hands this past January.

“One of the best-kept secrets in the 2023 Draft, Wright possesses a sturdy, durable frame and is a four-down player. This is a name you need to know, as he should be expected to rise throughout the process,” wrote Serritella in NFLPA Bowl Weigh-In Observations.

Reflecting upon his NFLPA Bowl experience while speaking at Monmouth’s Pro Day, Wright identified the greatest benefit of participating in the invitation-only all-star game.

WORK ZONE 🚧

Jersey Shore touchdown machine Owen Wright (@MUHawksFB) perfects his footwork on a Tuesday @NFLPABowl practice in Pasadena. RBs are being coached up by @Patriots former first-round pick Robert Edwards.

Game Roster 🔗 https://t.co/PHZ97PsKqApic.twitter.com/VEaDe0zzJb

— All Access Football (@NFLDraftBible) January 25, 2023

“It gave me the chance to see what competition will be like in the pros,” said Wright, who competed for a National Team squad that featured players from all five FBS Power 5 conferences.

The National Team’s head coach was none other than former Ohio State star Eddie George, who logged seven 1,000-yard rushing seasons during his nine-year NFL career.

With his NFLPA Bowl experience in the rearview, Wright was busy grinding through Pro Day protocol on March 9 in Tinton Falls, NJ.

Performing in front of multiple New York Jets’ representatives, the native Marylander recorded above-average marks in the vertical jump and 40-yard dash.

“I feel like I came out here and did a really good job,” said Wright, who played two full seasons for Monmouth after transferring from William & Mary.

Wright’s 34” vertical would’ve ranked 11th amongst running back participants at the 2023 NFL Combine, beating out Power 5 prospects such as Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs and Auburn’s Tank Bigsby.

In the 40-yard dash, Wright clocked in at 4.56s on March 9 before trimming another 0.03 second off his time at the Maryland Pro Day on March 29.

For comparison, Bigsby ran a 4.56 while UCLA’s Zach Charbonnet registered a 4.53 at the Combine. Former Florida Atlantic running back Devin Singletary, who has signed with the Houston Texans after four seasons with the Buffalo Bills, was timed at 4.66s leading up to the 2019 NFL Draft.

While he acts as a battering ram down near the goal line, Wright is way more than a short-yardage back.

“I’m explosive running the ball, I can catch, play special teams, all of it,” said Wright, who was a core special teamer for the Hawks.

Wright served as Monmouth’s personal punt protector while playing four different phases of the kicking games.

“Punt protection, punt return, kickoff, kickoff return. I feel like wherever they put me I can excel there,” said the 215-pound running back.

Owen Wright talks about the lessons that he learned growing up in a football family.

Hear from the @MUHawksFB running back as he pursues his NFL dream on the latest Hawk Talk presented by @RWJBarnabas

🎙️ https://t.co/24c3xOd8Bc pic.twitter.com/0uSkubMRY3

— Monmouth Hawks (@MonmouthHawks) March 8, 2023

With an attitude that will only boost his draft stock, Wright seems to both understand and embrace the importance of special teams.

When it comes to an NFL roster spot, special teams can be the ultimate deciding factor.

Former FCS running back Taiwan Jones (Eastern Washington) completed his 12th NFL season this past January, playing almost exclusively on special teams throughout his career. Jones has carried the ball only 53 times as a pro, but he has lived on an NFL 53-man roster because of his elite kick coverage ability.

Whether or not they think he’s worthy of a late-round draft pick remains to be seen, but the Jets definitely know the name Owen Wright.

Gang Green general manager Joe Douglas has developed a pattern when it comes to drafting running backs. He’s done it each of the past four years.

Maybe he’ll make it five in a row by opting for a lesser-known, but fully-capable gem at the Jersey Shore.

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