NFL mock draft, 3 rounds: QBs, trades, surprises in latest predictions
2021 NFL mock draft: 6th pick
player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Alabama. Jaylen Waddle. 6. 59. WR
Dolphins GM/HC: Chris Grier/Brian Flores
The Miami Dolphins have a very interesting decision before them in this mock draft scenario.
After trading down from the third overall pick, Miami made their bed. They decided when they struck their trade with the San Francisco 49ers that they were okay missing out potentially on Kyle Pitts and Ja’Marr Chase.
By moving back up into the sixth spot, paying a first-round pick in 2022 to do it, the Dolphins indicated there’s someone (or multiple someones) they are not potentially willing to pass on.
The key for Miami is going to be finding ways to best surround Tua Tagovailoa with this top selection. They could go with an offensive lineman here — Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater or Oregon’s Penei Sewell — but it would be difficult for them to pass on the opportunity to draft someone like Waddle who has already got chemistry with Tagovailoa.
Waddle does present some level of risk.
While there are those who feel like his game-breaking play speed could bring the next version of Tyreek Hill to some NFL offense, there have to be some questions about medicals. He fractured his ankle last season but showed incredible toughness by attempting to return for the National Championship.
You can move this player all over your offensive formation and the Dolphins undoubtedly would with DeVante Parker and now Will Fuller in the mix at the outside receiver positions. With that said, Waddle could be a nightmare as a rookie working out of the slot and even returning punts for the Dolphins.
Miami avoids the temptation here to trade out or take an offensive tackle, getting Tua Tagovailoa a special talent at receiver to get the ball to.