Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Former Tennessee Vols RB had a very strong emotional reaction to being drafted by the Miami Dolphins

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Craig Smith | Last updated 4/29/24

Former Tennessee Vols standout Jaylen Wright had to wait a little bit longer than some thought to hear his name called in the NFL Draft.

Despite being considered by some pundits as one one of the top backs in the draft - A to Z Sports' James Foster had Wright as the #2 overall back and #71 overall prospect on his big board - Wright saw four running backs selected ahead of him.

The slide finally ended on Saturday in the fourth round. The Miami Dolphins forked over a pretty high pick - a 2025 third-round selection - to grab Wright at pick number 120.

For those wondering what Wright was feeling during that long wait, it was obvious through the outpouring of emotion that he showed while on the phone with Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel when they were picking him.

The emotion on this call is everything.

Listen in on @__jw12’s moment ☎️ pic.twitter.com/jnWeJv6J2Y
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) April 27, 2024

Wright broke down on the phone, and that didn't escape McDaniel.

"The emotion you're exhibiting right now is one of the reasons why this is meant to be," McDaniel said. "We are elated. This is your [opportunity]. You know it. You knew you wanted to be here. So, celebrate with your family. This is a cool moment. It's just the beginning."

Wright is coming into a crowded backfield in Miami with Pro Bowler Raheem Mostert and 2023 breakout rookie De'Von Achane leading the way. However, Wright should fit like a glove with McDaniel's offense, and his athleticism and skills as a receiver and in pass protection should have him on the field early in South Florida.

Between the emotion he showed on the phone and the message he sent to the teams that passed on him in the draft, it's clear that Wright has a bright fire burning inside of him. That's only going to be a great thing for the Dolphins and perhaps a bad one for the other 31 teams.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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