2021 NFL Draft: WR Jaylen Waddle has sky-high upside but needs experience

Negatives

Waddle would significantly benefit from a full season as a starter with the Crimson Tide. Having previously operated as the fourth option for Alabama, Waddle has operated in a limited role and, beyond running routes downfield, he has largely been restricted to catching screen passes and going in pre-snap motion.

The experience of a full season would be a significant help to NFL teams hoping to learn what route tree he is capable of running but it would also be enlightening to see Waddle go up against press coverage on a consistent basis. There may be concern about Waddle’s ability to defeat press at the next level given his frame – he is 5ft 10in and 182 pounds.

While Waddle has shown his talents at the catch point, he did have some issues with drops in 2019. More playing time would reveal whether this is a problem with technique or if they are simply focus drops that could be easily eradicated from his game.

To say Waddle’s potential is untapped would be a substantial understatement for a player who has received as little playing time as him. That is partially what makes him such an intriguing prospect but, should Waddle not get the college experience he requires in 2020, it may make it difficult to take him with a high pick in 2021.