Why Jaylen Waddle was the right pick at number 6

Why didn’t the Dolphins stay put at 12 and take their chances on Waddle being there?

This is the question I’m most inclined to agree with. Keeping our first-round pick in what is expected to be a loaded 2022 draft class is enticing. However, it’d be wishful thinking, assuming Waddle would’ve been available at 12.

Who’s to say Philadelphia didn’t like him more than Smith and wouldn’t have taken him at 6? Receiver-desperate Detroit might’ve had Waddle graded higher than Penei Sewell. The Giants possibly hold fast at 11 to take Waddle, instead of trading back and reaching for Kadarius Toney at 20. The Dolphins’ options at 12 would’ve potentially been Rashawn Slater, Zaven Collins or Alijah Vera-Tucker. While good prospects, none of these players fill the same void that Waddle does.

The Dolphins have had an acute need of a deep threat for years now. Grier addressed this by signing Will Fuller in March. While effective on the field, he has missed 24 games in the past four seasons due to injury and suspension. Fuller is also more of a pure deep threat. According to Rotowire.com, his average depth of target was 12.2 yards in 2020, ranking in the 70th percentile in the NFL. Waddle weaponizes his speed before and after the catch, adding another dimension to the offense. Of his 20 touchdowns at Alabama, 11 went for 50-plus yards.

I’ve heard some people compare Waddle to Henry Ruggs, who underwhelmed in his rookie season in Las Vegas. I don’t like the comparison. At Alabama and now in the league, Ruggs has a tendency to rely too much on his speed, leading to lazy transitions and inconsistent route running. This is not the case with Waddle. He has all the same juice Ruggs possesses, coupled with the fundamentals.