Miami Dolphins: 5 best wide receiver seasons since 2000

#4: 2021 Jaylen Waddle – 104 catches, 1,015 yards, 6 touchdowns

If it weren’t for the anemic offensive production and questionable play-calling, Jaylen Waddle’s performance during the 2021 season would probably rank even higher than number 4.

The explosive wide receiver out of Alabama came to Miami with an already-developed familiarity and synergy with Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and he parlayed that into one of the finest rookie seasons that any wide receiver has ever had.

Waddle’s 104 catches set an NFL record for the most in a player’s first season and is the most by any Dolphins receiver at any point of their career not named Jarvis Landry. His 1015 yards and 6 touchdowns are respectable and even above average for a highly drafted rookie, but rather low given the number of receptions. Had Miami’s offense expanded past using primarily short slants and bubble screens, then those numbers would have likely shot up as well.

Perhaps they will in 2022. Waddle won’t be the number one focal point of opposing defenses while playing opposite of Tyreek Hill, and he has the potential to put up one of the better receiving seasons in team history if he is able to capitalize on his opportunities.