Jaylen Waddle - 2025 Dynasty Fantasy Football Sleepers and Trade Targets

Jaylen Waddle is a dynasty fantasy football sleeper and trade target for 2025. Read the fantasy football outlook for the Miami Dolphins wide receiver.

RotoBaller Dynasty Ranking: WR29

Dynasty Analysis: Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Not long after setting the NFL record for receptions among rookies (104), then following it up with a 1,356-yard campaign as a sophomore, Jaylen Waddle has plummeted in the dynasty rankings and is now valued as a mid-range WR3.

Entering the NFL in 2021 out of Alabama, Waddle immediately became a go-to target for Tua Tagovailoa, and he ranks 17th all-time in receiving yards in the first three seasons of a career (3,385)-- just behind Isaac Bruce (3,391) and CeeDee Lamb (3,396) He posted WR1 finishes in 2021 and 2022, but injuries and his QB1 missing time have put a stop to his rising fantasy production.

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Even though he was discounted entering last season, it was the most disappointing season of his career, as he caught just 58 passes for 744 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games. His 2024 resume of production has surely left a sour taste in his fantasy managers' mouths, so now is the time to take advantage.

Entering 2025, Tyreek Hill is heading into his age-31 season -- just a year after his worst fantasy output since his 2016 rookie year. Wide receivers who rely primarily on speed and explosiveness are safe bets to continue to decline after they pass the age apex, so Waddle has the opportunity to seize the clear WR1 role.

Additionally, tight end Jonnu Smith, who vultured 111 targets on mostly short and intermediate routes en route to a career season, has been dealt to the Pittsburgh Steelers. And it's difficult to imagine Darren Waller becoming a target hog after a year off and several seasons removed from high-level play. Those are more positives for Waddle.

Lastly, Miami's offensive line struggles, which are often overlooked in fantasy football, can ultimately benefit Waddle. The 26-year-old figures to operate underneath and in the middle of the field more after the departure of Smith, and a struggling pass-blocking offensive line will force Tagovailoa to get rid of the ball quickly rather than being able to hang in the pocket and deliver a deep throw to Hill.

Jaylen Waddle 60-yard touchdown!

(Via: NFL, CBS)pic.twitter.com/PW8Kl3yGZt

— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) December 17, 2023

Waddle is not a contested-catch specialist, but that's about the only flaw in his game. He has game-breaking speed, adequate route-running chops, and tremendous YAC ability. With the rest of Miami's offense seemingly deteriorating, Waddle is entering what should be his athletic prime. At his WR29 cost, he's sure to at least meet expectations if you trade for him, but his ceiling is significantly higher.

The main risk here is the health of Tagovailoa, but that makes him cheaper and easier to trade for.

- Jackson Sparks

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