With the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins drafted Jaylen Waddle, wide receiver from the University of Alabama. Waddle was widely-regarded as one of the top receivers in this draft class and is known for his speed and athleticism. His durability is a huge question mark but his big-play ability was likely his biggest attraction heading into the draft. Waddle is the first of two anticipated Alabama wide receivers, Devonta Smith, projected first-round picks to be drafted.
Jaylen Waddle Highlights
Jaylen Waddle NFL Draft Profile and Stats
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5’10″
Weight: 182 lbs
Age: 22
College: Alabama Crimson Tide
Jaylen Waddle 2020 Stats
- Receptions: 28
- Receiving Yards: 591
- Yards per Reception: 21.1
- Touchdowns: 4
Jaylen Waddle Draft Profile
Strengths
Jaylen Waddle showed plenty of versatility in where he lined up during his three seasons at Alabama. Speed is a major strength. He has tremendous hands and uses his athleticism to his advantage when pinpointing jump balls. No matter where Waddle lines up in a formation, defenses are forced to take note. His killer quickness can turn any play into a big one. Waddle also has proven his ability to run a diverse route tree. He has no trouble cutting through congested areas of the defense over the middle. At the same time, he’s capable of burning his man on a go in one-on-one coverage.
Weaknesses
While he isn’t the biggest receiver, Waddle more than makes up for his lack of size with his speed and talent. Still, it could crop up as a concern among NFL scouts. He also will need to continue to perfect his footwork, particularly at the top of routes where he has a tendency to overstep at times. Waddle is also coming off a 2020 campaign that saw him severely limited by an ankle injury. Given his slight stature, durability may be a concern at the next level.
RELATED | Full Jaylen Waddle NFL Draft Profile, Highlights and Stats
What to Expect from Waddle in 2021
Jaylen Waddle was a projected first-rounder from the beginning and it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. He has tremendous speed combined with high athleticism and could look similar to Tyreek Hill at the professional level. He is absolutely a Day 1 starter for the Dolphins and will be a gadget weapon for young quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. As long as he avoids injuries, he will provide the much needed spark for one of the weaker wide receiving corps in the NFL. Tagovailoa struggled mightily last season and that was in part to the limited targets, and Waddle will provide that needed big-play ability.
