The Miami Dolphins had one of the most potent offenses in the NFL last season. They ranked fourth in the NFL in EPA per play, fifth in success rate, third in EPA per dropback, and fifth in EPA per rush. Mike McDaniel's scheme and Miami's crew of skill position players have revitalized this offense. They got more weapons to play with in the 2024 offseason too. Players like Jaylen Wright and Malik Washington look like underrated gems on the Dolphins' 2024 roster who can help now and in the future if given the chance.
Jaylen Wright is another speedster running back
De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert are perfect fits for McDaniel's zone run scheme thanks to their speed. Achane's 4.32 speed quickly transferred to the NFL. Achane averaged an astonishing 7.8 yards per carry in his rookie season. The only other running back in NFL history to have a season with at least 100 carries and eclipse seven yards per carry was Beattie Feathers back in 1934.
Raheem Mostert is no slowpoke either. He has 4.43 wheels and though he is now 32 years old, he still has plenty of tread on his tires. He has just 674 carries under his belt for his career, with 390 of those coming the last two seasons with Miami. Mostert has averaged 4.8 yards per carry in that span.
But, with Mostert aging and Achane's diminutive size (5-foot-9, 188 pounds), the Dolphins could've used another back for the 2024 season. They got one by drafting Tennessee's Jaylen Wright in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Miami traded a 2025 third-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles to get him.
Wright should be a perfect fit in McDaniel's scheme. He is bigger than both Achane and Mostert at 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds and has plenty of speed to burn. He ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. Wright showcased that size and speed plenty at Knoxville where he played for the Tennessee Volunteers.
Wright's role will likely be limited in his rookie season. Achane and Mostert are clearly ahead of him on the depth chart. But if either were to miss time, Wright could become a factor. Injuries have followed Mostert throughout his career. Achane played in just 11 games as a rookie. Wright is someone to keep an eye on.
Malik Washington is a sleeper wide receiver
Virginia's Malik Washington lasting until the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft was a bit of a surprise. He was one of the best receivers in all of college football last season. Washington led all players in college in 2023 in receptions with 110 of them. He also racked up 1,426 yards, which was fourth in the country. Only Rome Odunze, Malik Nabers, and Ricky White had more. Two of those three were top nine picks.
Washington thrived out of the slot for Virginia in 2023 after not getting much shine with Northwestern the four years prior. He is quite shifty running routes and can make players miss after the catch. He looks like he can also be a great fit in McDaniel's offense in Miami.
Playing time may be hard to come by for Washington as a rookie, however. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are not going anywhere any time soon. The Dolphins also signed Odell Beckham Jr. to be their number three option, likely playing primarily out of the slot.
But Washington can help the team if he ever gets the chance. At the very least, he provides Miami with a great insurance policy if something happens to any of their top three choices. But he is absolutely a player to monitor and someone who can make a big impact. Washington looks like a potential gem for the Dolphins' roster in 2024 and beyond.
Follow Us
Subscribe
