Miami Dolphins: Jaylen Waddle breaks rookie record, closing in on another
By Andrew Kim
Jaylen Waddle could be a potential offensive rookie of the year candidate, as the Miami Dolphins wide receiver could break even more records.
2021 has been an outstanding year for rookie receivers, but many were skeptical when Miami traded up to sixth overall for former Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Waddle was taken right after former LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase was by the Cincinnati Bengals, and many were uncertain whether it was the right move due to the needs for the Dolphins and the depth of the position itself along with the value. Chase does have him beat in receiving yards and touchdowns but Waddle is in the top six in receptions (96) on 126 targets overall among all pass-catchers and is one of the more targeted and consistent receivers this year.
At Alabama, Waddle was an efficient deep threat but with the Dolphins, it looks like he is limited within the offense. However, the 23-year-old receiver is used in many creative ways within the offense and is schemed open as much as possible. Miami has him lined up on the outside, in the slot, and in the backfield as the top target for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. But after a slower start to the season, the second receiver drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft has shown a level of reliability and his chemistry with Tagovailoa is well-demonstrated.
Waddle made history against the New Orleans Saints in Week 16, tying Jerry Rice for the most ever by a rookie on Monday Night Football with 10 catches. The Dolphins receiver also is the third rookie ever with eight or more catches in four consecutive games and did miss a game due to COVID protocols. The rookie record for most receptions in a season is only five catches away for Waddle and he has two more games to achieve that, which would break Anquan Boldin’s record with 101. The Miami pass-catcher also broke the Dolphins rookie receiving yards record by a decent margin with 941 yards, set by Chris Chambers with 883 yards, and ended last week’s game with 10 catches and 92 yards with a touchdown (adding up to six total on the season) to cap off an impressive performance.
Jaylen Waddle may not be blowing past NFL defenses like in college yet for Miami, but he does have to be respected as the featured weapon for the Miami Dolphins who is always a threat to move the chains wherever he is on the field.