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- Nov 24, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) reacts after getting a first down during the first half against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Jaylen Waddle 2025 NFL Redraft Outlook: Set for a Bounce-Back?

Originally posted on Total Apex Fantasy Sports
By Andrew Kim | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 1:24 PM ET

When it comes to Jaylen Waddle, the Miami Dolphins’ speedster and electrifying playmaker, there’s always intrigue. Whether he’s showing off his yards-after-catch wizardry or turning on the jets to torch defenders downfield, Waddle is a player who holds immense fantasy football appeal. But after a disappointing 2024 season, many are left wondering if Waddle can rebound and reclaim his spot among the league’s elite wide receivers.

Jaylen Waddle 2024 Stats and Fantasy Production

Waddle’s 2024 campaign was rough, plain, and simple. The numbers don’t lie. He averaged only 49.6 receiving yards per game, hauled in a career-low two touchdowns, and finished 49th in total PPR points among receivers. For a guy who had strung together three straight seasons of 1,000+ receiving yards to start his career, this was a gut punch, not just for Waddle but for fantasy managers everywhere.

Sure, there were bright spots, including games with 109, 144, and 99 receiving yards, but the consistency just wasn’t there. Injuries played a role, with Waddle missing two games late in the season due to a knee issue. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s own injury struggles didn’t help, either. Without Tua under center, Waddle’s numbers flatlined. He averaged just 32.6 yards per game in five contests without his QB1, compared to 60.4 yards per game in the 10 games Tua played.

But it wasn’t just bad luck or the injury bug. Waddle’s role in the Dolphins’ offense also shifted. His target share fell to 16.6%, his lowest to date, and he was often stuck in a short-range role, with only 8.4% of his targets traveling 20+ air yards. Basically, Waddle wasn’t being utilized as the dynamic deep threat we saw in prior seasons.

Jaylen Waddle 2025 Fantasy Outlook

Jun 10, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) practices during mandatory minicamp at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Waddle enters 2025 relatively healthy, and the Dolphins return head coach Mike McDaniel and offensive coordinator Frank Smith for their fourth season. This offensive consistency is huge. McDaniel’s schemes have historically been player-friendly for receivers, and with less offseason noise surrounding Waddle’s health, he’s in a prime position to regain his groove.

With Jonnu Smith gone, that benefits Waddle a ton. Why does the departure of a tight end matter? Because Smith gobbled up a 20% target share in 2024. With Smith shipped off to Pittsburgh and Darren Waller taking his place, there’s an opportunity for Waddle to reclaim a larger slice of the offensive pie. Waller’s an injury-prone wildcard, while Waddle should serve as the team’s clear No. 2 option behind Tyreek Hill.

When Tua is healthy, Waddle thrives. Period. Heading into this season, Miami’s offensive line looks moderately improved, and Tua himself has emphasized a quick-strike game to avoid unnecessary hits. This is tailor-made for Waddle, who excels in catching quick passes and making defenders miss. If Tua stays upright, it’s a game-changer for Waddle.

At 27 years old, Waddle is squarely in his athletic prime. Wide receivers often peak at this age, which could spell good news for those banking on a comeback season.

Expect more of the same usage that McDaniel implemented last year. Waddle’s snaps will likely remain split between out wide and in the slot, and he’ll continue to dominate the short-to-intermediate areas of the field. However, with Jonnu Smith gone and Tyreek Hill aging another year, there’s potential for Waddle to see a bump in his deep targets and overall target volume.

For fantasy managers considering Jaylen Waddle in PPR formats, here’s the lowdown. Draft him as a WR2 with WR1 upside. If he bounces back to his 2023 form, you’re looking at a guy who could flirt with 1,200 receiving yards and 6+ touchdowns while adding significant value in PPR leagues thanks to high catch totals.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Fantasy Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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