The Miami Dolphins have wrapped up their rookie minicamp, organized team activities and mandatory minicamps and will return to the Baptist Health Training Complex near the end of July to prepare for the 2023 regular season.
Before that, we’ll be going through the majority of Miami’s roster to preview their background, projected role and bottom line with the team entering training camp.
After looking at some quarterbacks, running backs and the team’s top receiver in Tyreek Hill, we’ll move on to the team’s rising star wideout – Jaylen Waddle.
General information
Name: Jaylen Waddle
Position: WR
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 182 pounds
Age: 24
College: Alabama
Free Agent Year: 2025 (2026 – if his fifth-year option is picked up)
Background
Miami selected Waddle with the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft after a three-year stint at Alabama. As a rookie, Waddle set the league’s rookie reception record (104) as well as the team’s rookie yards record (1,015).
He followed that up with a 1,356-yard season that saw him lead the league in yards per reception (18.1) despite Hill’s arrival in the offense.
Expected Role
Hill still remains the top option in Mike McDaniel’s scheme, but Waddle isn’t far behind. He’ll likely see a slight uptick in targets with Mike Gesicki leaving in the offseason, meaning more yards and touchdowns for the former Crimson Tide wideout.
Bottom Line
Waddle has quickly risen up wide receiver rankings after two strong seasons in Miami. Another should solidify him in the consensus top-15. He had some drops in key situations last year, but if he can work to improve that area of his game, the Dolphins will have the best wideout duo in the league for the second year in a row.
