Why the Dallas Cowboys shouldn't pass up on 'Bama WR Jaylen Waddle
The Dallas Cowboys made a surprising move in last year's draft by selecting a wide receiver in the first round, and they should continue that trend this year by taking Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle. Although Dallas has one of the best receiving corps in the NFL, Waddle is too talented of a player to pass […]
The Dallas Cowboys made a surprising move in last year's draft by selecting a wide receiver in the first round, and they should continue that trend this year by taking Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle.
Although Dallas has one of the best receiving corps in the NFL, Waddle is too talented of a player to pass up on. At 5'10, 182 pounds, Jaylen Waddle is the most explosive and dynamic player in the 2021 NFL Draft. With his elite speed, versatility, and playmaking abilities, Waddle is the best receiver in this draft class and he'd take this Dallas Cowboys offense over the top.
Before suffering an ankle injury in 2020, Waddle was outperforming his teammate and Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith. In only five games, Waddle caught 28 passes for 591 yards and 4 touchdowns, while averaging 21.1 yards per catch.
Jaylen Waddle possesses a unique skill-set and can be placed in multiple alignments. At Alabama, he played on the outside, in the slot, and was used as a chess piece out of the backfield.
We all know the game-breaking speed Waddle possesses, but it's plays like this one that make me think he's going to be Tyreek Hill at the next level:
This play highlights the fact that Jaylen Waddle isn't your typical 5'10 speed receiver. You just don't see many receivers with the ability to high-point the football and make a contested catch like this.
He also has big catch radius for his size, which is atypical for 5'10 wide receivers:
Notice how the ball is thrown in front of Waddle, but he's able to adjust and stretch out to make the catch with strong hands.
Because of his height and speed, Waddle will be compared to Henry Ruggs and John Ross throughout the draft process, but the tape shows that he plays much bigger than his size.
One reason why Jaylen Waddle is the best wide receiver in this draft is because of his refined route-running.
Take a look at this play versus Texas A&M last season:
On this play, Waddle is being bracketed by the corner and safety, but he burns both of them on a sluggo with his top-end speed. A lot of times, you'll see receivers run this route too fast, but Waddle waits for the safety to bite on the slant, then leaves everyone in the dust. This play also shows how he's able to adjust to the ball, then re-accelerate to top speed.
This next route he ran in the same game is just ridiculous:
Waddle is so smooth that he doesn't even have to stutter-step before breaking back to the outside on this route. It's literally uncoverable.
Another thing I want to highlight is how technically sound he is as a route-runner, which is perfectly displayed against Georgia's Tyson Campbell:
Georgia CB Tyson Campbell does everything right on this play, but Waddle does a great job of getting over the top of of him and stacking him, which takes away the his leverage to the ball. Waddle also does a great job of fighting through contact, as Campbell falls, to make the catch. Tyson Campbell has 4.4 speed and is a top 5 corner in the draft, yet Waddle burns him.
What makes Jaylen Waddle even more dynamic is his YAC ability.
These two plays are some of my favorites I've seen from him:
Both of these plays show you what he can do with the ball in his hands. Just look at the acceleration, burst, and toughness he gives you after the catch.
One more thing I want to hammer in this article is the versatility Jaylen Waddle possesses:
Jaylen Waddle is lined up in the backfield on this play, which opens up so many more things for an offense. Waddle runs a simple out-route, but the linebackers have to respect his deep speed and the middle of the field, so they have no choice but to give him all that space. It's an easy first down for Alabama.
Waddle can also help your team on special teams. He's a dynamic kick/punt returner and NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah said Waddle is "one of the most talented kickoff and punt returners to enter the NFL over the last decade"
Check out this electrifying kickoff return in the 2019 Iron Bowl:
Simply put, the only other 5'10, 4.2 speed receiver that can make the plays Waddle makes is Tyreek Hill.
Michael Gallup is scheduled to become a free-agent after the 2021 season, and it's no guarantee that the Dallas Cowboys will be willing to pay him. The smart decision would be to draft Waddle as his replacement because he's better and cheaper.
Another thing to consider is that if the Cowboys do not select Jaylen Waddle at 10, the Giants likely will with the next pick. Do the Cowboys want to have to put up with Jaylen Waddle's skill-set twice a year? I don't think so.
An offense led by Dak Prescott featuring Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup on the outside, with Ceedee Lamb and Jaylen Waddle in the slot would be a nightmare for opposing defenses. Because of his worldly speed, Waddle cannot be left one-on-one, which will open up more of Kellen Moore's offense and will elevate Dak Prescott's play.
The Dallas Cowboys obviously have holes all over the defensive side of the ball, but Jaylen Waddle has the potential to be a game changing weapon like Tyreek Hill, and Dallas cannot risk missing out on that. The Cowboys can address defensive needs in free agency or later in the draft.
Featured Image Via © John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
