Miami Dolphins wide receivers coach Wes Welker recently had some major praise for Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle, as Welker compared the youngster to Kansas City Chiefs star Tyreek Hill.
“It’s kind of Tyreek Hill-ish, how he’s just able to get that ball and really burst out of it,” Welker said. “A little bit different body types and stuff, but I kind of — that’s what came to mind whenever I was kind of watching him coming to Alabama and seeing him on film here.”
Welker, who played for the Dolphins during his NFL career, is back with the organization on Mike McDaniel’s staff to help develop Waddle and the rest of Miami’s group of receivers.
Waddle was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and he had an extremely solid first season in Miami.
The 23-year-old appeared in 16 games as a rookie, catching 104 passes for 1,015 yards and six touchdowns. Waddle has developed into a key weapon for Tua Tagovailoa as the Dolphins prepare for the 2022 NFL season.
While Hill is one of the fastest players and best downfield threats in the NFL, Welker clearly thinks Waddle resembles him in some ways. That’s certainly high praise.
Waddle averaged 9.8 yards per reception as a rookie, but it’s possible the Dolphins will try to use him to stretch the field even more in his second season. The growth of Waddle and Tagovailoa will be key for the Dolphins’ success over the next few years.
Miami is hoping to put together a strong 2022 season and reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2016 campaign.
