Could 2024 be a career-high year for Jaylen Waddle?
MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill took questions after Monday’s practice and spoke on topics ranging from being named a captain to his injury status and his confidence level going into the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
One answer that caught my eye pertained to a question about the expectations of fellow receiver Jaylen Waddle:
“All-Pro. I’d say All-Pro this year. He’s taken his game to another level in the classroom. He’s taking it more seriously. He’s moved to the back of the classroom with me and River. So he’s sitting beside us now. He’s asking more questions which is great. He’s very eager to get better. And for me, I believe that’s where it starts. To be able to take your game to the next level as a not-ideal receiver size; you’re fast, you’re twitchy, you got to be able to do it in the classroom, and he’s done a great job taking advice from our Coach Wes, Coach Krause and all of the older guys in our room. I expect All-Pro, WR1 all of that. Lead our team.”
Hill is well-loved by his teammates, and one of the reasons why is that he’s always hyping up his teammates publicly, and he was a huge factor in the development of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s confidence.
His answer regarding Waddle’s expectations on the surface sounds the same as his praise of his teammates and coaches, but this one stuck out to me as different. It involves himself, implying that his stats will drop if Waddle leads the team. That’s a stark difference from the tune he’s sung the last few years with his goal of hitting two thousand yards.
If Waddle takes a step forward, Hill has to take a step back. I wouldn’t say it’s a regression. It’s more like a natural push and pull of counting stats when opening up room for a counterpart to flourish. It’s selfless on Hill’s part and shows the growth in his maturity since becoming a Dolphin. It’s not about stats anymore. It’s about winning.
Is Jaylen Waddle up to the task of becoming the Dolphins WR1?
The Apprentice Becomes the Master
Three seasons, and three thousand-yard campaigns to Jaylen Waddle’s name. It’s the ideal start to a receiver’s career, but how high is the ceiling for the Miami receiver? When you look at his speed, route running, and ability to rise to the moment, you see a top-ten receiver.
When you see his frame, the fact that he’s primarily a body catcher and that he received sixty-seven fewer targets than his counterpart in 2023, it’s hard to imagine that Waddle could outgain Hill or even topple his career-high marks in 2022 with 1,356 yards, 18.1 AVG, and eight touchdowns.
Although it may be hard to visualize Waddle hitting 1,500+ yards, especially now that he just got paid and guys usually tend to fall off a bit, there’s hope that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa could give Waddle more opportunities as a point of emphasis similar to doing everything he could to help Hill reach his 2K goal.
Hill being on board with taking a step back will generate Waddle more looks, shifting the Dolphins toward a more balanced offense in target shares, and could open Hill up to more one-on-one opportunities for explosive plays.
Tagovailoa would force-feed Hill at times in 2023 and leave other players disengaged on the backburners, mostly Waddle. A transfer of targets could keep Waddle and other players in rhythm and involved.
Ultimately, Hill has the stats and wants to pass the torch to Waddle. It’s unselfish and a testament to why he is a team captain.
Jaylen Waddle career year incoming.
