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Jaylen Waddle 2023 Outlook: Success Hinges on Quarterback Play
2 years agoMiami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle ascended into stardom in 2022, finishing as the WR7 with 117 receptions for 1,356 yards and eight touchdowns, despite competing with his teammate Tyreek Hill for touches. Fantasy managers couldn't wait to see his potential, gushing over his talent and upside. However, that excitement faded after the team traded for Hill. The 24-year-old proved the two can coexist, forming one of the most dangerous duos in the NFL. He cracked the top 10 on five occasions while finishing third in yards per route run, sixth in yards after the catch per reception, second in yards above expectation, and sixth in total yards. The primary concern is the health of his quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. In the five games their starting signal-caller missed or left early, Waddle finished as the WR59, WR77, WR16, WR36, and WR42. The offense needs to be aggressive, taking chances downfield to create enough big plays and volume for the former first-round pick to succeed. Moreover, the Dolphins failed to add any significant pass-catchers, instead losing Mike Gesicki, locking down his role as the second option. Currently ranked 11th in RotoBaller's rankings, Waddle possesses a massive ceiling if Tagovailoa remains healthy.
