The Miami Dolphins had their pick of the litter when it came to the 2021 wide receiver draft class.
Sitting comfortably at third overall, the Dolphins were in a prime position to select LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase, who was considered by many as the draft’s No.1 wide receiver. As the internet knows, Alabama’s DeVonta Smith was my preference, while some clamored for Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman.
And then there was one other prospect.
A speedy, game-changing wide receiver from Alabama (like Smith, but faster!), who at times seemed to be getting overlooked due to his season-ending ankle injury. If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m talking about Jaylen Waddle, the 5’10, 180-pound ‘slot’ wide receiver from ‘Bama.
Miami would move around a few times in round one, first trading back to No.12 with the San Francisco 49ers for a plethora of draft picks. Miami would then make a call to the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 6, agreeing to move up six spots so they could select Jaylen Waddle. It was now time for Miami to utilize their fancy new weapon and show the world exactly why they picked the man they call penguin.
In 2021, Waddle wasted no time becoming Tua Tagovailoa’s favorite target, breaking the NFL rookie receptions record with 104 catches on 140 targets. He would finish his rookie season with 1,015 yards and six touchdowns, but as we all saw, he wasn’t utilized properly (and neither was Tua if we’re being honest), being constrained inside a 10-yard box for most of his rookie year.
Head coach Brian Flores would eventually be fired, leading to the hire of an offensive mastermind(?) Mike McDaniel. Miami’s new HC went from one interview to another, raving about the roster, but the name that he continued to echo as the one that had him most excited…
Jaylen Waddle.
Expectations were out of this world for Waddle. And then, the real Tyreek Hill became available, and the Dolphins made a blockbuster trade to acquire his services. We all know how the story goes, and unfortunately, we now know how the story ends. Which is why it’s time to say what we’re already thinking…
It’s time for Jaylen Waddle to level up.
Like when a Charmeleon turns into a Charizard or a Wartortle into a Blastoise at level 36.
It’s time.
Not only because the team just lost one of the most-explosive wide receivers in NFL history, but because if we’re being honest, we need to see Waddle prove he can be the guy. We’ve seen the godly numbers, and we’ve seen the explosive speed and big play abilities — he’s every bit as good as the Dolphins imagined.
That said, we’ve also seen the bad with Waddle. And no, I don’t mean off-the-field issues or game-crippling plays, but he’s been beyond inconsistent with his hands over the years, and his injury concerns are evident by his one full season of play. He would tell you he needs to be better and play more like that game-breaking WR than the shell of himself last season.
He’s also getting paid to be one of the league’s top wide receivers, inking a three-year extension last May worth $84.75 million. Sure, that money isn’t much when compared to what Hill would’ve made in 2026 or some of the other #elite wide receivers in the NFL, but it’s not pocket change either. There’s also a certain level of leadership Hill provided; Waddle will now be looked upon to be that voice and locker-room presence.
Add in all the uncertainty surrounding the job security of Grier, McDaniel, and even quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and everyone, from the coaching staff to the owners to the fan base, is eager to see Waddle level up over the coming weeks.
Others will need to step up too (Malik Washington/Nick Westbrook-Ikhene, etc), and we’ve already seen the offense evolve with tight end Darren Waller’s season debut in Monday night’s 27-21 win over New York. Miami even looked promising once Hill exited the game, but that was again against a rebuilding Jets team. How will they fare when they continue to face some of the league’s top teams and defenses?
History says 1-3 is an impossible task to overcome. If Miami has any hope of turning this dumpster fire around, they will need the sixth-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft to become the dominant player many thought he could.
Your time is now, Jaylen Waddle. I believe in you.
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