Dolphins: Jaylen Waddle is a top 10 WR in the NFL already (top 30 ranked)
By Hunter Haas
![Sep 18, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) reacts after scoring a first half touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports Sep 18, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) reacts after scoring a first half touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d4c00055a89a3a00ff352be7a526635e1415dac6314cbd9440e915ec8e8c1f8a.jpg)
Tier 7:
•Too Soon To Tell, WR1 Potential
-Garrett Wilson
-Brandon Aiyuk
-Chris Olave
-Christian Watson
-Jahan Dotson
-Drake London
-George Pickens
-Zay Flowers
-Treylon Burks
-Jameson Williams
-Jordan Addison
This is not going to take long. The final remaining names are simply too early into their career to accurately and confidently say what they are. With the lone exception being reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson. He could have been higher up the tier list, but we have watched a player fall apart after an all-time great rookie campaign before, so the choice was made to play it safe and keep him in this tier.
The same decision was made to keep Jaylen Waddle in a similar tier last off-season, and we all saw how that played out. Wilson will be in one of the top-three tiers in no time. As for Waddle? He is already locked in.
Jaylen Waddle Is A Cheat Code For The Dolphins
The former Crimson Tide playmaker was resigned to a short-yardage role as a rookie. The coaching staff did not know how to use him, so Waddle’s entire highlight reel from 2021 consists almost entirely of curl routes. You think I am kidding, but as a Waddle fantasy football owner, I saw it firsthand.
The best thing to ever happen to Waddle took place last off-season. The hiring of Mike McDaniel advanced the offensive scheme at a breakneck pace. It swung the playbook wide open and led to play designs that capitalized on the earth-shattering speed Miami possesses. The Dolphins could have never guessed what would come next.
Tyreek Hill and the Kansas City Chiefs were unable to reach an extension, so the two parties quickly began exploring trade options. Soon after the talks ramped up, Hill started manipulating his way to a preferred destination — South Beach. Along with no state income tax, the speedster mentioned Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle as key reasons behind his decision for Miami.
It took no time for the trio to mesh as the Dolphins took the NFL world by storm. You didn’t have to worry about which Miami receiver would beat you because Hill and Waddle were burning folks every snap. McDaniel — thanks to previous stints under Kyle Shanahan — looks like a kid at a candy store when calling plays from the sideline. You would too.
Waddle & Hill Will Continue Terrorizing Opposing Defenses; Dolphins Fans Keep Popcorn Ready
Waddle’s speed is nearly as good as Hill’s, while Jaylen does a better job plucking balls out of the air than Tyreek — even if it is marginal. As runners, both players possess authentic track speed, but I’d argue Waddle is a bit shiftier. Hill is still king with his tendency to re-accelerate to full speed in the blink of an eye, something you simply cannot teach.
All in all, it is such an exciting group of wide receivers around the country. Jaylen Waddle is better than most, but a few names still have time left on their tickers. Regardless of where Waddle falls on your personal list, it is unfair to the rest of the league that he roams the same field as Tyreek Hill.
Final Word: Dolphins Employ Two Top 10 WRs
The Top 30 NFL WRs, According To Hunter Haas
Davante Adams (Raiders)
Tyreek Hill (Dolphins)
Justin Jefferson (Vikings)
Stefon Diggs (Bills)
Cooper Kupp (Rams)
Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals)
A.J. Brown (Eagles)
Jaylen Waddle (Dolphins)
Terry McLaurin (Commanders)
DeVonta Smith (Eagles)
CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys)
Tee Higgins (Bengals)
DK Metcalf (Seahawks)
Garrett Wilson (Jets)
Deebo Samuel (Niners)
Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions)
DeAndre Hopkins (N/A)
Chris Godwin (Buccaneers)
Mike Evans (Buccaneers)
Keenan Allen (Chargers)
Tyler Lockett (Seahawks)
Brandin Cooks (Cowboys)
Amari Cooper (Browns)
D.J. Moore (Bears)
Chris Olave (Saints)
Michael Pittman Jr. (Colts)
Mike Williams (Chargers)
Michael Thomas (Saints)
Calvin Ridley (Jaguars)
Odell Beckham Jr. (Ravens)