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2021 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

By Randy Gurzi

Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Draft
Jan 9, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /

Grading every rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins

2021 Stats: 

  • 104 Receptions
  • 1,015 Yards
  • 6 TDs
  • 1 Rushing TD

The Miami Dolphins were one of the more active teams in the 2021 NFL Draft before the event kicked off as they moved down in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers before moving back up as they made another trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.

After their game of musical chairs, they ended up with Alabama wideout Jaylen Waddle who gave them an elite playmaker that could stretch the field. Waddle was also coming off an injury but he was fine all year as he appeared in 16 games and put up 1,015 yards on 104 receptions.

It was a draft that had several stud wideouts — which is true of the 2021 class as well — and while Ja’Marr Chase won the NFL Rookie of the Year award and had 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns, Waddle proved to be nearly as dangerous.

This season, he’s going to be joined by Tyreek Hill as Miami made a massive trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, giving them two of the fastest wideouts on the same roster. The only question will be whether or not Tua Tagovailoa can get it done as the quarterback. But as far as Waddle goes, he was well worth the investment.

Grade: A

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