Jaylen Waddle | Alabama 5’10” 183 lbs. 11/25/1998 (Age 22)
Jaylen Waddle was drafted 6th overall by the Miami Dolphins, becoming the second wide receiver drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft.
College Production
| Year | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Yards/Catch | TDs |
| 2018 (FR) | 15 | 45 | 848 | 18.8 | 7 |
| 2019 (SO) | 13 | 33 | 560 | 17.0 | 6 |
| 2020 (JR) | 6 | 28 | 591 | 21.1 | 4 |
After three seasons at Alabama, battling through some injuries and a loaded WR depth chart, Waddle amassed 106 receptions for 1999 receiving yards. He scored 17 receiving TDs and logged an impressive 18.96 yards per catch over his career. Waddle’s game-breaking speed and big-play ability are nearly unmatched and were on display early this season. Many forget that through the first four weeks of the season DeVonta Smith was out-produced by Waddle. However, he then suffered a high ankle sprain that turned out to be a fracture as well while returning the opening kickoff against Tennessee in Week Five.
While there is no denying that Smith is the superior route runner, Waddle displays the characteristics of an alpha WR. He had compiled 25 catches for 557 yards and four TDs in the first four games of the season. Waddle not only can beat any opponent deep, but he is also an effective catch-and-run player. He also possesses quick feet and vision which not only help him separate, but allow him to see and set up his next moves in advance.
Though he is not a large receiver, Waddle’s shown the ability to run through contact and is a willing blocker. His hands are more consistent than his former teammate and last year’s first WR off the draft board, Henry Ruggs III. Waddle will elevate and high-point the ball when necessary and doesn’t shy away from contested catch opportunities.
Athletic Testing
Unfortunately, Waddle, not fully recovered from his aforementioned ankle fracture, did not run the 40-yard dash at Alabama’s Pro Day. His measurements of 5’10” and 183 lbs. 30⅜” arms and 9⅛” hands compare favorably to Tyreek Hill. Similarly, Waddle’s speed, fluidity in and out of breaks, overall play strength, and ability to locate and elevate for the deep ball is reminiscent of Hill as well. Waddle is a legitimate outside option despite his size.
Draft Analysis
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Excellent
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Excellent
Smith was selected with the 6th pick by the Miami Dolphins. He should be able to work into an explosive lineup immediately. Miami has a young QB in Tua Tagovailoa and an up-and-coming roster across the board, under head coach Brian Flores. The offensive line is strong and Waddle joins an already accomplished group of receivers with Devante Parker, Preston Williams, Mike Gesicki, and the recently signed Will Fuller.
Opposing defenses are literally caught between a rock and a hard place with both Jaylen Waddle and Will Fuller on the field at one time. This will clear out tons of space for the other pass-catchers to work in the middle and the flats. Tua’s value should be viewed as increasing, and the Miami Dolphins altogether should be viewed as a legitimate playoff contender.
Fantasy Insights
Jaylen Waddle has the speed that an opposing defense must account for pre-snap on every play of the game. He immediately enters the league as one of the fastest WRs in the world. He has all the tools to become a number one WR in the NFL. Waddle should be the second or third WR selected in dynasty rookie drafts. He will be a mid-late first-round pick in SF leagues and an early-mid first-round pick in 1QB leagues. Waddle also offers value in the return game, for owners whose leagues provide points for return yardage and return TDs.
Waddle is a slam dunk selection in best ball leagues as he will inevitably put up the big play from time to time. After a little seasoning, he should become a consistent and reliable WR1 in fantasy, regardless of format, if he lands with even a below-average QB.
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