Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel makes bold statement on Jaylen Waddle

The Miami Dolphins’ new head coach Mike McDaniel Is excited about the prospect of coaching the duo of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa rookie receiver Jaylen Waddle. And on Friday, while a guest on the Dan Le Batard Show, the first-time head coach couldn’t contain his excitement over the two.

When asked about who on the team other than Tagovailoa he’s most excited about coaching, McDaniel exclaimed “Waddle” before the question was finished. Afterward, he explained his reason why.

“I just talked with him on Monday, and I think he understands his leadership role on this team. He’s a phenomenal talent, and guess what, the best and easiest way to get yards is give it to a really talented player. “

With the 49ers McDaniel was able to unleash the full potential of wide receiver, Deebo Samuel, and he has plans on doing the same with Waddle. McDaniel even goes as far as to make this bold proclamation about his young wideout.

“The 49ers, the last four or five years, have led the league in YAC. The reason is because we were addicted to getting our skill position players that are good with running the ball,” said McDaniel. “So yes, I would start him in fantasy. Beyond that, I think you should see some jumps in the Miami Dolphins’ offense next year. What those look like will be determined this offseason and the way the players work and attack things moving forward.”

Waddle was able to put up big numbers in his first NFL season, despite the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position in Miami last year. He finished the season with 104 receptions for 1015 yards and hauled in six touchdowns.

McDaniel on Tagovailoa

As Mike McDaniel takes over as Miami Dolphins head coach, he has to start evaluating his roster. That starts with the quarterback — and he seems sold on Tua Tagovailoa’s abilities.

Tagovailoa just wrapped up his second NFL season for the Dolphins after going No. 5 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. It’s been a rollercoaster couple years for Tagovailoa, but McDaniel doesn’t seem worried about his future as a starter.

In fact, he gave a great answer about how much he believes in the former Alabama star. He realizes his job is to now help Tagovailoa grow into a great quarterback.

“My belief in Tua is that he’s a football player on this team that’s trying to get better, and the biggest message I have for all players, really, the message should be about the team,” McDaniel said, via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “And what I mean by that is it’s really about the team collectively getting better and there’s a responsibility of the quarterback to do so but I’m not sitting here concerned with how good Tua can be. I’m concerned with, as a collective unit, what we can grow together? Because that’s what wins football games. I haven’t seen a quarterback win a football game by himself ever, really. He has to have somebody to throw to. He better not be getting tackled before he throws, so somebody better block. And the defense had better not allow them to score.”

“But the biggest thing for me with Tua is that I want him to come in and work every day, and I’m very confident that he will. I want to provide teachers that can develop him. I’m very confident in the people we’re discussing this week, and the plan we have for that. And, ultimately, all you want is a guy that’s driven to be great, a guy that’s driven to get better and it gives you a chance and it’s my job to make sure that he has the best chance to showcase his talents and that’s everyone’s job, really.”