The Green Bay Packers are exploring options to bolster their backfield, with former Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright emerging as a potential target for the 2024 NFL Draft.
In a recent seven-round mock draft by SI.com’s Bill Huber, following speculation of Zach Tom’s transition to center, the Packers were projected to select Wright shortly after securing offensive tackle Amarius Mims in the first round.
“Running back wasn’t a huge need but I couldn’t look past Wright, who was our second-ranked running back prospect because he’s got the home-run-hitting ability the Packers don’t have with Josh Jacobs and AJ Dillon. With Dillon back on only a one-year deal, the Packers need to groom a back for a heavy role in 2025.”
Pairing Wright with the existing talent of Jacobs could yield one of the league’s most dynamic running back tandems.
While the 2024 draft class boasts several promising running back prospects, none quite match Wright’s explosive speed, making him a standout choice.
Originally a 3-star recruit from Durham, North Carolina, Wright’s collegiate journey began with limited offers from prominent Power Five schools before finding his place with the Tennessee Volunteers.
After initially flying under the radar, Wright broke out in 2023, earning second-team All-SEC honors while impressively averaging 7.4 yards per carry for a total of 1,013 yards.
Standing at 5’10” and weighing 210 pounds, Wright possesses a slender frame but compensates with remarkable athleticism. His pre-draft performances, including a 4.39-second 40-yard dash and an 11’2″ broad jump, underscore his explosiveness, reflected in a stellar Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.8 out of 10.
Wright’s game is defined by his ability to turn any run into a potential touchdown, utilizing his explosive speed and agility to exploit gaps in the defense.
However, concerns linger regarding Wright’s vision and upright running style, areas that could benefit from refined coaching at the professional level.
Despite these considerations, with the right guidance, Wright has the potential to evolve into one of the NFL’s most electrifying running backs. The Green Bay Packers should absolutely consider him.
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