There was a time when it was felt a wide receiver needed 3 years to become a dominant impact player. In recent years that has dropped to 1 or 2 years and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is the latest manifestation of that.
As a rookie in 2021, Waddle immediately became the No. 1 target for QB Tua Tagovailoa. He broke the NFL rookie record held by former Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin for receptions, catching 104 passes for 1,015 yards and 6 touchdowns – proving to be Tagovailoa’s security blanket more times than not, catching 74.3 percent of passes thrown his way.
Below, we look at Jaylen Waddle’s fantasy football average draft position (ADP) and where you should draft him.
With the arrival of dynamic Tyreek Hill, the roles of Dolphins receivers are expected to change, but Waddle’s value hasn’t taken a big hit as to where he has been going in early fantasy drafts.
Jaylen Waddle’s ADP: 45.87
(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com; last updated at time of this publishing – ADPs continually change as more drafts occur)
Despite the arrival of Hill, Waddle’s stock hasn’t taken a significant dip. His ADP lands him as a 4th or 5th round fantasy selection (depending on how many teams are in the league) and a high- to mid-WR2 prospect.
Waddle is ranked slightly behind Carolina WR D.J. Moore, who has an ADP of 43.91. A group of several wideouts aren’t far behind: Pittsburgh’s Diontae Johnson (49.69), Washington’s Terry McLaurin (49.82), the Los Angeles Chargers’ Mike Williams (51.70) and Seattle’s D.K. Metcalf (52.41). With the exception of Williams, all receivers in this group have a change at quarterback, which should impact their fantasy value.
WIN YOUR FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE!
For over 25 years, TheHuddle.com has been helping fantasy players just like you win. This year, it’s your turn! Custom player rankings, tools and more to give you the edge over your competition.
Use code SBW22 to take 20% OFF a new subscription. Join now!
Jaylen Waddle’s 2021 stats
Games: 16
Receptions | targets: 104 | 140
Receiving yards: 1,015
Receiving touchdowns: 6
Where should you draft Waddle?
Waddle’s ranking isn’t out of line with the type of production he should have – although some will question whether Tagovailoa can help produce a pair of top-15 wide receivers (and a top-10 to top-12 tight end).
The key factor when considering Waddle is his most troubling fantasy stat. To get to 1,000 yards he needed more than 100 receptions (a 9.8 yard average). Waddle was running crossing routes, taking bubble screens and catching quick slant passes in traffic that typically led to a short gain. His production was meant to move the chains, not necessarily impact the scoreboard.
His value is in his volume, especially in PPR leagues. A season ago, Waddle would draw an opponent’s top cornerback and if a receiver was doubled with dropping linebacker or sliding safety help, it came his way. With Hill now in the picture, it’s Hill that is going to be garnering the No. 1 corner, and safeties will have to respect his ability to win 1-on-1 matchups and help out.
The result will be Waddle not only getting more single coverage off the line, but he will more often get the No. 2 cornerback covering him 1-on-1.
His reception numbers will likely take a mild hit with the arrival of Hill, but given how coverage on him will change, the chance for more chunk plays will offset the expectation of fewer receptions, allowing him to retain his fantasy value.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Access more NFL coverage:
BetFTW | TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWire | TitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=3472]