Thread by @NateNFL

🚨30 Days, 30 Prospects🚨

#12 - Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

Everyone is looking for the next Tyreek Hill... fact is nobody is Tyreek, but Waddle is an incredible playmaker in his own right. More than just a speedster, Waddle shows off why he can play ball at the next level.⬇️

Waddle is truly a weapon that keeps defenses honest. The entire first half he's running this crossing route, now in the 3rd quarter he goes to run the crosser but turns it up field as soon as the safety bites. He creates so much separation and it's an easy jog for a score.

Even though Waddle is great at creating separation, he doesn't always need it. He's not a guy that only wins on speed, he can hold his own up in the air. Here he makes the hard catch in double coverage down the field, leaping into contact while taking full strides.

This ball is a little under thrown but Waddle takes care of it. He can play "above the rim" pretty well for his size. Good body control and concentration in the air help him secure the ball. With the way he gets down the field he's gonna need a big armed QB at the next level.

Waddle can be used behind the LOS as well on screens and sweeps. He's elusive and creates yards every time he gets the ball in his hands. Here he starts and stops and weaves his way through the defense to get the first down. It's easy to manufacture touches for a guy like this.

Waddle also brings a ton of experience on special teams. One of the better returners in college the past few years, he'll immediately get on the field with these opportunities. This brings an added dynamic not only to an #NFL team, but also your #FantasyFootball team.

I like this route by Waddle, he runs a crossing route and then just stops and brings it back to the sideline. He creates a lot of separation with this route because the defense is just trying to keep up with his speed. We also see him make a nice catch away from his body.

There's a couple areas where Waddle struggles. His route running can be a little rough at times, I'd love to see crisper breaks. I also worry that his hands are inconsistent, he shouldn't be missing on this catch here. There's a few drops on the tape and it's something to watch.

Overall, Waddle brings so much upside with his physical skillset and where he already is as a WR. I like him more than Ruggs last year, I think he's more pro-ready. He still has to find a good landing spot, as he could just be a field stretcher in the NFL rather than an alpha.