Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel spoke with the media this morning and spoke high praise of his fifth-year receiver out of Alabama. Jaylen Waddle has impressed his head coach with his work ethic and approach to OTAs in 2025.
“I see a guy that’s ready to earn growth to a game that’s already top-tier within the National Football League,” McDaniel said. “It’s exciting for me.”
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In Waddle’s first four seasons with the Dolphins, he’s eclipsed 1,000 yards in three of the four years and reeled in 20 touchdowns.
Waddle’s first non-1,000-yard season was in 2024 when he collected 58 passes for 744 yards. However, he also had 21 fewer targets than the previous year.
Subsequently, the Dolphins finished 2024 with an 8-9 record, which was their worst finish since 2019.
Waddle is an extremely important part of the Dolphins’ offense, especially with the uncertainty around Tyreek Hill. McDaniel has been most impressed with Waddle’s understanding of his importance and the approach he’s taken this offseason.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) reacts after getting a first down during the first half against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium.
Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
“He’s humbly approaching his craft, attacking it so that he’s not satisfied with any part of his game. I think one thing that has been really cool to watch is his understanding of who he is on the team, how much we depend on his playmaking ability,” McDaniel said. “But also how much we depend on how he is as a football player in extremely non-selfish ways.
“He’s very active in the run game. He’s very active in really just doing whatever he can to benefit the other pass-eligibles.”
Waddle has shown the ability to be the No. 1 receiver if needed, or to take advantage of one-on-one opportunities if Hill is double-covered. The Alabama product accounted for 3,385 receiving yards across his first three seasons in the league.
“I’m really excited about what 2025 has in store for him based upon the excitement that he gives me every day, attacking his craft,” McDaniel said.