Phin Phanatic
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Miami Dolphins: 7 rookie class predictions for the 2021 season

By Brian Miller

CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 07: Gerrid Doaks #23 of the Cincinnati Bearcats runs the ball during the game against the Houston Cougars at Nippert Stadium on November 7, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 07: Gerrid Doaks #23 of the Cincinnati Bearcats runs the ball during the game against the Houston Cougars at Nippert Stadium on November 7, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 11: Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes after a reception during the first quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 11: Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes after a reception during the first quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

The Miami Dolphins made Jaylen Waddle their top draft pick and will hope he can develop quickly on the field.

Waddle will have an easy task to start his NFL career. Catch the ball and make as many YAC stats as he can. I expect Waddle to be used in two specific ways early, outside screens and deep fly routes that will both utilize his speed.

Waddle has the physical gifts to be in the Rookie Offensive Player of the Year award but due to the number of quarterbacks drafted and the way Pittsburgh is likely to showcase Najee Harris, my bold prediction is that Waddle won’t get so much as a sniff of that award or a Pro Bowl invitation despite the fact he will post impressive rookie numbers this year.

Miami is going to lean on Waddle often and early, especially Tua Tagovailoa who played with him at Alabama. It will be an instant karma situation between the two and that should help Waddle statistically. Unfortunately, the Dolphins, right now don’t get the respect from the media and that will likely hurt Waddle in his chase for post-season awards but make no mistake, on the field, Waddle is going to be incredible.

Prediction: Waddle leads the Dolphins in YAC and touchdowns in 2021.

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