Jaylen Waddle: Time to Take Over

Jaylen Waddle was the Miami Dolphins’ 6th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, reuniting with his former Alabama quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. Now entering his fifth season, Waddle stands at a career crossroads — and the opportunity to emerge as the Dolphins’ true No. 1 wide receiver has never been clearer.

Last offseason, the Dolphins showed their belief in Waddle by signing him to a 3-year, $84.75 million extension, keeping him in Miami through 2028 at a total value of $104.6 million. With Tyreek Hill (31), facing mounting off-field issues, and carrying a hefty contract, the torch is primed for a new carrier.

Career Snapshot (62 Games)

• Receptions: 309

• Receiving Yards: 4,129

• Receiving Touchdowns: 20

• Scrimmage Yards: 4,182

• Total Touchdowns: 21

• Yards per Touch: 13.0

Per 17-Game Average:
85 receptions, 1,132 yards, 5 touchdowns

Trends & Takeaways

Explosive Start (2021–2022):
Waddle burst onto the NFL scene with a record-setting 104 receptions as a rookie, breaking Jarvis Landry’s Dolphins record and topping Anquan Boldin’s NFL rookie mark. That breakout year earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. He followed it up with a staggering 18.1 yards per catch in 2022, showcasing his big-play ability alongside Tyreek Hill.

Steady but Quieter (2023–2024):
While his targets and touchdowns dipped in the past two seasons, Waddle remained one of the league’s most efficient pass-catchers, including a 69.9% catch rate in 2024 — among the NFL’s best. He also continued to protect the football with only three fumbles across 321 career touches.

Health Check:
Aside from missing five combined games in the past two seasons, Waddle has been largely durable and consistent.

Elite YAC & Speed:
A former track standout with 4.29 speed, Waddle remains one of the most dangerous threats after the catch, using agility and acceleration to turn short throws into explosive gains.

New Voice, New Direction: Robert Prince Steps In

This offseason brought a major coaching change: the Dolphins parted ways with receivers coach Wes Welker and brought in veteran Robert Prince. Prince, 60, has decades of experience, coaching for teams including the Falcons, Jaguars, Seahawks, Lions, Texans, and Cowboys, along with seven college programs.

“What we’re trying to do is get them to play fast, physical and with elite technique,” Prince said. “In the meeting room, it’s about mastering the details — the routes, the releases, the top of the route — and on the field, it’s all about execution.”

Prince has a direct but supportive coaching style. “They’ll know when I like it, and they’ll know when I don’t,” he explained. “Coaching is like raising a child — you set expectations, you inspect what’s done, and then you give feedback. That’s what we’ve been doing.”

Robert Prince on Jaylen Waddle:

“The thing with Jaylen — he’s a very explosive player, very dynamic. When the ball’s in the air, he can go get it. And once it’s in his hands, he’s a dangerous run-after-catch guy. We’re just working on our techniques and fundamentals to help him get even better.”

His arrival signals a fresh approach and renewed emphasis on fundamentals — a perfect match for a player like Waddle, who thrives when technique meets raw athleticism.

 Wide Receivers Coach Robert Prince meets with the media | Miami Dolphins

The Moment is Now

There’s no denying Waddle’s talent. But this season, he must show he’s not just part of the offense — he’s the focal point.

The struggles of 2024 — quarterback inconsistency, offensive line woes, and a sputtering run game — contributed to his dip in production. But with a healthier Tua, a fortified offensive line, and a new coaching voice, Waddle is primed for a resurgence.

This could be a transitional year for Miami’s receiver room. If Waddle reclaims his dominant form, the Dolphins may look to shift resources and focus his way, potentially drafting or signing a complementary young receiver to build the next elite duo.

Bottom Line

There’s still time for The Cheetah and The Penguin to make noise as one of the NFL’s most electric receiver duos. But as the 2025 season unfolds, don’t be surprised if Waddle begins to emerge as the alpha. With elite speed, improving technique under Robert Prince, and a chip on his shoulder, Jaylen Waddle is ready to stop sharing the spotlight — and start owning it.