NFL Draft: Alabama’s Jaylen Waddle is WR1 in loaded class

Looking at NFL Draft projection of Jaylen Waddle

Not only is Waddle a bonafide first round pick this upcoming April, but he has every right to be the first one off the board. While his teammate in DeVonta Smith, and LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase also have a path to being WR1 in the 2021 NFL Draft, it is Waddle who brings the most nuance and explosiveness to the field out of this entire draft class.

Given the heavy need for vertical threats in the NFL’s pass-heavy nature, Waddle will have plenty of suitors, including a handful in the top-10. The Miami Dolphins look poised to get their first shot at a non-quarterback with the third overall pick in the draft. Later the Cincinnati Bengals (should they miss out on Penei Sewell), and the Detroit Lions will also be looking for an elite playmaker. The floor for Waddle appears to be the New York Giants with the 11th overall pick in the draft.

Short, intermediate, or down the field, Waddle is a big-time playmaker who will make a day-one splash on whatever team he lands with. Along the boundary, vertical at the catchpoint, or in the screen game, and after the catch, Waddle will light up the scoreboard with his dynamic level of play.