The Miami Dolphins have failed to develop an effective ground game in two of Mike McDaniel’s three seasons as head coach. Miami’s rushing attack ranked seventh in 2023 but struggled in McDaniel’s first season, averaging fewer than 100 yards per game in 2022. The unit took a step back again in 2024, finishing 21st with an average of 105 rushing yards per game.

De’Von Achane is a dynamic playmaker out of the backfield, but relying on him for nearly 300 touches isn’t a sustainable strategy. The Dolphins ranked No. 22 in points per game, and their inability to sustain drives on the ground contributed to their offensive inconsistency.

As a rookie, Achane rushed for 800 yards, averaging 7.8 yards per carry, and scored ten total touchdowns after Miami selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The following year, Miami used another third-round pick on a running back.

The Dolphins traded a 2025 third-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles to select Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright. While no one expected Wright to match Achane’s explosive rookie season, he struggled to find a role in Miami’s offense. Wright averaged roughly 17 yards per game and 3.7 yards per attempt. He failed to reach the end zone and ranked third in carries (68) behind Achane and Mostert, who had 85.

A dynamic back in college, Wright was Tennessee’s leading rusher for back-to-back seasons. He was named All-SEC as a junior after rushing for 1,013 yards and catching 22 passes for 141 yards.

Miami released Mostert, and Jeff Wilson Jr. will become a free agent next month, leaving Achane and Wright as the only backs currently on the roster. The Dolphins may add another back through the draft or free agency, but the spotlight turns to Wright as he prepares for his second season.

Wright’s rookie year ended on a sour note, carrying the ball six times for -4 yards on Jan. 5 against the New York Jets. His final four games included nine carries for six yards, reflecting Miami’s offensive struggles down the stretch. His lone game with double-digit carries came in Week 4 against the New England Patriots, when he rushed for 86 yards on 13 attempts.

The Dolphins’ offensive line struggled, ranking 26th in block win rate, which made it difficult for the rushing attack to find consistency. Despite his rocky rookie season, Miami has invested too much in Wright to leave him sidelined in 2025.

At its best, McDaniel’s rushing attack can translate to Mostert’s league-leading 18 rushing touchdowns and Achane’s eight yards per carry in 2023. Miami invested significant draft capital to build the backfield to fit McDaniel’s vision, and a retooled offensive line should help unlock its potential in 2025.