Jaylen Waddle Fantasy Overview

2024 Summary

Production & Fantasy Finishes

Waddle managed only 3.8 catches and 49.6 yards per game. Both marks ranked outside the top-45 pass catchers. He added a career-low two TDs.

Waddle spiked with games of 109, 144, and 99 yards. Otherwise, he was a fantasy non-factor, hurt by an injured Tua Tagovailoa.

In 10 games with Tua, Waddle averaged:

• 4.1 catches
• 60.4 yards
• .2 TDs

In five games without Tua, Waddle averaged:

• 3.4 catches
• 32.6 yards
• 0 TDs

Waddle finished 49th in total PPR points and 53rd in points per game.

Usage & Role

Dolphins WRs combined for a 50.4% team share -- sixth lowest league-wide. Waddle tallied a career-low 16.6% target share.

He averaged just 5.2 targets per game, fourth on the team behind Tyreek Hill, Jonnu Smith, and De’Von Achane.

Waddle’s 9.8-yard average depth of target marked his lowest figure since 2021. Meanwhile, only 8.4% of his 83 targets traveled 20+ air yards. Among 104 qualifiers, only Amon-Ra St. Brown posted a lower rate.

Efficiency Metrics

A short-range role led to a strong 70% catch rate. Waddle’s 1.53 yards per route run easily marked a career low, though.

He also set career lows in yards after catch per reception (4.1), missed tackles forced per reception (.05), and PFF receiving grade (71.5).

Among 116 qualifiers, Waddle ranked 54th in ESPN's Open Score.

Offensive Context

Miami ranked 18th in total yards and 22nd in points.

The Fins ranked 11th in pass rate (58.6%), up slightly from 2023.

Historical Production & Trends

Before 2024, Waddle hit 70+ catches and 1,000+ yards in three straight seasons.

Since his rookie year, we’ve also seen a trend develop in his alignment. Waddle played a primarily slot role as a rookie – and then handled at least 71% of the snaps out wide in three consecutive years.

Injury History

Waddle missed two games with a late-season right knee injury. He didn’t need offseason surgery.

Waddle’s now missed five games over the past two seasons. A high-ankle sprain – the second of his career – cost him time in 2023.

2025 Expectations

Projected Role & Competition

Waddle returns to the No. 2 WR role behind Tyreek Hill.

Miami added former Titans WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine in free agency (2 years, $5.9 million). He’ll fill the No. 3 spot.

Jonnu Smith enters his second season in Miami. We expect Waddle and Smith to act as co-No. 2 targets.

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

Waddle enters the season with offensive continuity. HC Mike McDaniel and OC Frank Smith return for their fourth season together.

The Dolphins have ranked 24th, 23rd, and 7th in offensive plays per game under McDaniel. His units have ranked 13th, 20th, and 8th in pass attempts, and 4th, 1st, and 15th in passing yards.

Waddle also enters year four alongside Tua Tagovailoa.

Tua’s injury history continues to add a risk factor for Waddle. Miami at least upgraded the talent at QB2 with the signing of former Round 1 pick Zach Wilson.

Look for Waddle’s usage to remain heavy on short targets, as Miami limits Tua’s exposure to hits.