NFL.com ranks Jaylen Waddle NFL debut in top-10 rookie performances
NFL.com has ranked the top-10 rookie performances from Week 1, and the Jaylen Waddle’s performance against the New England Patriots made the list. Waddle comes in ranked No. 7 after having four catches for 61 yards and one touchdown for the Dolphins in a win over their division rival.
This is what NFL writer Nick Shook had to say about the rookie wideout’s first NFL game.
“Waddle just might be the perfect yards-after-catch complement to DeVante Parker’s jump-ball threat in Miami’s offense,” Shook wrote. “The Dolphins certainly believe so, judging by some of the opportunities they presented to him in their one-point win over the rival Patriots. Waddle saw three targets in the seams inside 10 air yards and caught all of them, gaining 25 yards and, on one, winning the race to the front pylon for his first career touchdown.
“He also showed off some highlight-reel ability, beating Jonathan Jones out of a trips set down the sideline and winning his fade route, leaping to haul in Tua Tagovailoa’s pass for a gain of 36. That grab helped set up a game-tying field goal just before halftime in a contest that was ultimately decided by a single point. It seems wise to mine Alabama for talent, and with two former Crimson Tide stars teaming up in Miami, we should be excited about their future together.”
Waddle in Miami
Miami selected Waddle with the sixth-overall pick in this year’s draft to help with the growth and development of their young, talented quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins loved Waddle’s elusiveness and ability to make big plays after the catch coming out of the draft. Although those talents were not fully displayed, he showed he is a legitimate pass-catching threat.
For the game, Waddle was responsible for the Dolphins’ longest play from scrimmage when he made a leaping catch over New England’s Jonathan Jones for a 36-yard completion.
Waddle will be looking to build off of his inaugural performance when the Miami Dolphins take on another division foe in the Buffalo Bills. Plus, the Bills are fresh off a loss at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers. So if Waddle can continue to make plays all over the field for the Dolphins, Miami could be off to a 2-0 with wins key divisional wins.