Miami spent big and expects big things from Jaylen Waddle
In the 2021 Draft, the Miami Dolphins used two 1st Round draft picks to select Jaylen Waddle to bring a much-needed vertical threat to the offense. Chris Grier made a bold move using the extra 1st Rounder they received from San Francisco to get back into the Top 10 of the draft, so it’s crucial that Waddle makes good in a big way right out of the gate. While that’s a ton of draft capital used if Waddle does produce as billed the extra draft capital will be worth it!
The first hurdle for Waddle to justify his selection is by having a better rookie season than Devonta Smith.
Waddle v.s. Smith
The two players careers are joined at the hip for a few reasons.
- Both players played in Alabama.
- The Eagles swapped picks with the Dolphins and used that pick and a little extra ammo to move up to #10 to select Smith.
- Smith had an all-world college season and Waddle was injured most of his, so Smith certainly has a chip on his shoulder.
- Early ‘word on the street’ was Smith was the Phins target.
The big negative on Devonta Smith was his size; however, Smith is slightly taller listed at 6’1 compared to Waddle who is listed at 5’10. To Waddle’s favor though, Smith is listed at 175 pounds compared to Waddle who is listed slightly heavier at 182 pounds. So if one is worried about Smith’s size, then Waddle’s size should also be a worry. But, the true X-factor difference between the two is speed… and Waddle has that in spades over Smith. It was because of Waddle’s world-class speed that Miami drafted him over Smith. If Waddle can match what he did in college, every NFL defender will be hard-pressed to contain him. This will open up the offense much more than anything Smith could do.
So, speed and separation must be clearly on display right out of the shoot. And, if we do see that level of flashing speed, then Miami will be well on their way towards nailing his selection.
Waddle will get plenty chances to prove his worth
Waddle should get tons of opportunities to play this upcoming season. If these coaches are as good at designing defensive schemes as they are at scheming specific offensive plays for a player such as Waddle, then watch out. Elite speed is not something you can ever teach, so the key for the coaches is going to be finding all types of ways to get Waddle in space and let his speed do the rest.
And then there are Special Teams…
I expect Waddle to contribute there as well. Look how Jakeem Grant changed the face of games. Waddle has even more speed. Unfortunately, Grant hasn’t proven to be a consistent fielder of kicks, so I expect Waddle to replace him if Waddle proves to have more reliable hands.
Adding together both his offensive snaps and return snaps, Waddle could be poised for a highly productive season.
When looking at various betting software for bookmakers, Waddle’s Offensive Rookie of the year odds is currently at +2000. This means that if someone wagered $100 on him to win, then the payout would be $2,000 if that happened. While QB Trevor Lawrence is the favorite at +300, quarterbacks are always the favorites for those types of awards since they can have the biggest impact on a game, and season. However, in terms of skill positions, there are only a few other players such as Kyle Pitts, Devonta Smith, Najee Harris, Ja’marr Chase, and Javonte Williams that have better odds of winning the Offensive Rookie of the year award.
This just shows that the oddsmakers do believe that Waddle has a good chance to make an immediate impact this season. On the negative side, Miami had their hands on the above players who are predicted to have more production, at some point. — College Student Tips on Becoming a Bookie.
Waddle should be judge not only by his own production…
In terms of stats, with our plethora of receivers, the goal for Tua is to spread it around and get as many players involved as possible, If this is the plan, Waddle should be also judged by the opportunities he brings to others with his speed demanding so much attention. While Waddle’s individual statistics could be slightly lower, his presence should lead this 2021 Phins offense too much better passing and receiving numbers across the board compared to last season.
With that being said, a ballpark floor for a statistical goal as a receiver for Waddle should be around at least 50 receptions, 700 receiving yards, and 5 or more touchdowns. If he can surpass each of these targets in each category, that would be considered a very productive rookie season for a Wide Receiver if the whole offense kicks it up to another gear as well. And again, what will Waddle contribute in the return game?
Waddle could be the most exciting offensive rookie in a long time!
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