2021 Draft Profiles: Jaylen Waddle

The Dolphins used the sixth overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft, which they obtained from the Philadelphia Eagles, on University of Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.

- ALAIN POUPART

Round: 1 (6th overall) • Position: WR • Ht.: 5-10 • Wt.: 182 • College: Alabama

Waddle became the highest-drafted wide receiver in Dolphins history, taking over that distinction from Ted Ginn Jr., who was selected ninth overall out of Ohio State in 2007.

College Career:

• Waddle played three seasons at Alabama after arriving as a highly touted recruit in 2018.

• Waddle ended his collegiate career with three of the five longest scoring receptions in Alabama history — 94 yards against Louisiana in 2018, 90 yards against Georgia in 2020 and 87 yards against Texas A&M in 2020.

• Had four 100-yard receiving games in the first four games of the 2020 season because he sustained an ankle injury that kept him out until the national championship game against Ohio State.

• Had more receiving yards than Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith in those first four games.

• Had three 100-yard receiving games as a true freshman when he played behind eventual first-round picks Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and Smith.

• Averaged 18.9 yards per reception at Alabama, ranking second in school history among players with at least 100 catches. The all-time leader is Hall of Fame tight end Ozzie Newsome.

• All-time Alabama leader in punt return average at 19.3 yards, more than 6 yards better than anybody else on the list.

• Returned two punts and one kickoff for touchdowns during his career.

College Honors:

2020: Selected as second-team All-SEC return specialist despite appearing in only six games.