Jaylen Wright’s selection by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft has sparked discussions about the future of veteran running back Raheem Mostert. At 32, Mostert is entering the twilight of his career, a fact underscored by the Dolphins’ decision to draft Wright, whose physical and performance metrics closely mimic those of Mostert. With a stature of 5’11 and weighing 210 pounds, alongside a 4.38 40-yard dash time, Wright resembles the Dolphins’ current running back, who is 5’10, 205 pounds, and also boasts a track star’s speed.
Despite the seeming preparation for a transition, Mostert expressed a lack of concern over the selection of what many may view as his eventual replacement. “I was like, ‘yeah, whatever, it is what it is,’” Mostert shared with the press on Tuesday, downplaying any potential draft-related drama.
Far from feeling threatened, Mostert claimed excitement for the arrival of Wright, looking forward to mentoring the young player and integrating him into the Dolphins’ offensive strategy. “The more the merrier,” Mostert commented, emphasizing the offensive benefits of adding another speedy player to the roster.
Dolphins’ head coach Mike McDaniel also affirmed the positive implications of having a more competitive backfield, suggesting that it would foster a heightened sense of responsibility and efficiency among the players, especially when it comes to handling the ball.
During the 2023 season, Mostert led the Dolphins with 234 touches, significantly more than any of his teammates, with De’Von Achane, the team’s third-round pick in 2023, trailing at 130 touches. The arrival of Wright could indicate a decrease in Mostert’s workload for the 2024 season. However, Mostert remains unfazed by the potential for reduced playtime and the usual concerns over aging, attributing his continued high performance to minimal wear and tear early in his career.
Mostert, who didn’t secure his first NFL start until 2020 at age 28, has managed to defy the typical career trajectory of NFL running backs. Having joined the Dolphins in 2022 with 320 career touches and adding 446 touches over two seasons, he remains determined to contribute at the highest level, aiming to lead Miami to a championship victory.