Jaylen Waddle, Alabama 5’10” 182 LBS
Strengths
- Great hands and a good catch radius
- Good route runner
- Hard to tackle on the first attempt
- Uses leverage at the line of scrimmage well
- Speed
Weaknesses
- Small build/ frame
- Coming off injury
NFL Player Comparison | Tyreek Hill
2020 Dynasty Rookie Draft Projection | Mid 1st Round (assume 12-team league)
Bottom Line
Jaylen Waddle had his Junior season at Alabama shortened early after fracturing his right ankle versus Tennessee. He was able to return for the National Championship game, however, it was in a limited capacity. In the four full games before his injury, his worst game was 120 receiving yards. That is not too shabby. The small sample size in his Junior season is not an issue to me. In two and a quarter seasons he has shown enough to trust him as an elite wide receiver prospect. His elite speed and route running give the ability to be a yards after catch machine in the NFL.
His great change of direction skills is another reason that he is great at YAC. Waddle has shown throughout his career that he has good hands as a receiver. In 2019 Waddle had an 83% catch rate and in a shortened 2020 season his catch rate was 86%. After watching the film, one thing that stands out is how good he uses leverage against defensive backs. Waddle brings the X factor of having return skills that could make him one of the best returners in the league. His speed burst and his elusiveness are the two key traits that will help him in the return game.
The only concern with Waddle that I could have is his size. At only 182 pounds, he is lean, and for many, that could be a concern. From what I have seen on film, he knows how to use that to his ability and slide through contact and use it to his advantage. I would expect him to gain a few pounds once in the NFL, but he will never be considered a big-bodied guy. He is coming off a fractured ankle, but I think with rehab and rest, he will be back at 100 percent.
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