2021 NFL Draft: WR Jaylen Waddle back for Alabama Football?
By Cory Kinnan
Alabama Football may be getting a playmaker back just in time
Jaylen Waddle can frequently be found on top of 2021 NFL Draft boards at the wide receiver position. The Alabama Football dynamic playmaker, however, suffered a broken ankle that required surgery during the first quarter of the Crimson Tide’s Week 5 matchup against the Tennessee Volunteers.
Prior to that injury, Waddle was on a torrid pace in 2020, as he racked up 557 yards and four touchdowns in just four games in Tuscaloosa. While many thought his season, and perhaps career was over at the college level as Waddle is destined to be a first round pick this upcoming April, it appears he may not be finished just yet.
On Instagram a day ago, his teammate and fellow first round prospect DeVonta Smith posted a video of Waddle lining up in a wide receiver stance, saying “He’s back.” Nothing has been confirmed just yet on the return of Waddle, but this would be just the right time for the Crimson Tide as they make their postseason push.
https://twitter.com/AdamWeil22/status/1338604916051496960?s=20
What the return of Waddle means for Alabama Football
Getting their explosive playmaker back on the heels of the SEC Championship game against the Florida Gators, then for a likely College Football Playoffs is a big win for the Crimson Tide. Already the most dominant team in the country this season, pairing Waddle back with the likely Biletnikoff winner in Smith would give quarterback Mac Jones yet another boost.
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Not only would it give the team as a whole a boost, but returning would give Waddle himself the opportunity to solidify himself as the best receiver in this year’s draft class. He is explosive with the ball in his hands and can win at every level of the field. It will be interesting to see if Waddle suits up once more for the Crimson Tide or if he and Smith are just having some fun.