Ranking 5 dynamic college duos being reunited in the NFL

1. Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa reunites with Jaylen Waddle

The former Alabama Crimson Tide teammates reunite as Miami Dolphins. General manager Chris Grier and head coach Brian Flores knew they needed to give their young quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, a weapon on the outside. A player like Jaylen Waddle gives them a weapon unlike any other on the roster.

Despite the electric playmaking skills of Jakeem Grant, the Dolphins struggled to create big plays. Part of the reason was Tua’s tentative nature. He looked afraid to make a mistake, so the big play wasn’t there. Flores admitted the play-calling changed when they brought Ryan Fitzpatrick into the game.

Waddle is an exceptional athlete with elite explosion and deep threat ability. The differences between Waddle and Grant are that the former is taller, 20 pounds heavier, and a better route runner. Waddle comes in as a player who could line up on the boundary or inside. He’s dangerous on deep routes thanks to his precision in and out of breaks. His second gear and ability to make guys miss and slip tackles makes him dangerous after the catch.

The familiarity with Waddle gives Tua the comfort he needs to take shots downfield. During their days at Alabama, Tagovailoa showed off his deep ball accuracy arm strength. DeVante Parker mans the outside (if healthy), along with Preston Smith and Albert Wilson, will give them a solidified slot wideout. Meanwhile, Waddle can develop slowly and be used in ways that maximize his strengths.