Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel and Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy.Mike McDaniel and Mike McCarthy (Photos via Getty Images)


The Dallas Cowboys went into the NFL Draft knowing they had to come out with a running back, but the Miami Dolphins made sure they did not get their guy.

Jaylen Wright of Tennessee remained on the NFL Draft board in the selection process on that Saturday after the first round was complete, and Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys were licking their chops.

By round 4, Wright was still available.

The Dolphins did nothing on the third day of the NFL Draft while other teams made selections. According to ESPN‘s Jeremy Fowler, Chris Grier made a move that ultimately blew up the Dallas Cowboys’ draft preparations even though Miami didn’t have a selection pick in Rounds 3–4. Jaylen Wright was picked by Miami when they traded back into Round 4.

“The Cowboys also really liked Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright, who went No. 120 overall (the 20th pick of the fourth round) to Miami,” Fowler wrote. “If the Cowboys had a fourth-rounder and Wright were still available, chances are they would have jumped on him.”

With the addition of speed, the Dolphins now have the fastest offense in the NFL. Wright will battle for playing time with De’Von Achane, last year’s draft steal of a running back, and Raheem Mostert. In order to advance, Miami forfeited a third-round pick in the 2025 draft.

Miami’s Pick Forced The Cowboys To Take Another Direction At Running Back

They forced Jerry Jones into signing Ezekiel Elliot to a one-year contract by stealing Jaylen Wright.

What makes this draft selection even better is that the Dolphins traded with the Philadelphia Eagles, who likely did so just to mess up the Cowboys’ plans.