Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Miami Dolphins rookie outlook for the 2021 season

By Nick Belotto

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 20: Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs for a touchdown during the first half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Alabama won 58-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 20: Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs for a touchdown during the first half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Alabama won 58-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – JUNE 15: Wide Receiver Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Miami Dolphins catches a pass during practice drills at Mandatory Minicamp at Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southern University on June 15, 2021 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – JUNE 15: Wide Receiver Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Miami Dolphins catches a pass during practice drills at Mandatory Minicamp at Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southern University on June 15, 2021 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

It’s was widely understood that one of the biggest issues plaguing the Dolphins offense last season was their lack of explosiveness. Part of that was because of the players on the roster not necessarily making game changing plays. The other part wast that injuries plagued the Dolphins skill positions all season.

In steps Jaylen Waddle, who was arguably the most explosive player in last year’s draft. He looks to be the perfect compliment to the physical receivers like DeVante Parker and Preston Williams that are already on the roster.

Waddle will be expected to make an immediate impact on this team and will spend a lot of time operating in the middle of the field outrunning opposing linebackers and nickel corners. He has already started to rediscover his relationship with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa which could quickly transition him into being the young single caller’s “go to guy.” If that becomes the case, Waddle could be one of the more impactful rookies this season.

He may also contribute on special teams a bit and use his high quality return skills to help change the game on special teams, making weekly heart palpitation creator Jakeem Grant expendable. Either way, a fair expectation is that Waddle is going to see a lot of game time in a variety of facets. If he can stay healthy and make an immediate impact, Waddle could be in the conversation for the offensive rookie of the year award.

2021 season predictions: 16 Starts, 67 catches, 950 yards, 6 TDS, 2 Punt Return TDs

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