Dolphins' Jaylen Waddle predicted to make 'huge leap' in 2023
Despite not winning a playoff game since 2000, the Miami Dolphins enter this season with Super Bowl ambitions, and to do so, wideout Jaylen Waddle must continue his rapid development.
The Athletic’s Mike Jones recently released his list of the NFL's top players 25 and under, which incorporates the input of anonymous coaches and front-office executives to compile rankings.
While Waddle is the second option in Miami's passing attack, he landed at No. 11 on Jones' list, the third-highest-ranked wide receiver behind Minnesota's Justin Jefferson and Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase.
According to Jones, some within the Dolphins organization anticipate Waddle making a “huge leap” in his third season that will earn him recognition as one of the league's premier pass catchers.
"Two seasons, two 1,000-plus-yard receiving campaigns for the Alabama product, including 1,356 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022," Jones wrote. "Members of the Dolphins organization who observed his offseason approach and growth during OTAs predict he will take another huge leap and cement his place among the elite at wide receiver."
The 24-year-old spent a lot of time in the weight room this offseason, bulking up to break tackles, particularly downfield, and help endure the rigors of the NFL season.
Waddle didn't disclose how much muscle he gained, but he looks noticeably larger than his 5-foot-10, 185-pound listing on the team's website.
Considering Waddle has proved to be a polished route-runner with his blazing speed, if the added weight helps him accomplish his new goals, he could be even more productive in 2023.
Since stepping foot on an NFL field, Waddle has been nothing short of spectacular, and he's already on pace for a historic career. In 2021, he set the rookie record for receptions (104), becoming the second first-year player in league history to catch 100 passes, joining three-time Pro Bowler Anquan Boldin.
Additionally, Waddle's 179 career receptions are the seventh-most all-time through a player's first two seasons. Having an established rapport with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, his former Alabama teammate, undoubtedly eased Waddle's transition to the NFL as well as expedited his progression.
Although Waddle is sidelined with an abdominal injury, he's expected to be ready for Miami's season opener against the Chargers on Sept. 10, where he'll hope to continue his ascent up the wideout ranks
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