1 - Separation quickness & through break transitions
There isn't a large variety of releases Waddle deploys, but there doesn't need to be.
The threat of Waddle as an immediate separator on vertical routes is the primary focus for defensive backs.
Waddle is adept at pausing defenders in route with a glide step and is an abrupt decelerator on stop patterns.
To the defender, Waddle's glide step creates an appearance of deceleration due to the drastic change in tempo. (33-yard line)
Waddle is gaining ground and not losing speed when he does this, briefly pausing the defender.
He is then able to time his re-acceleration to aid in creating space while transitioning through his break.
What is an impressive quality of Waddle's is how he is able to immediately separate on even the briefest of double moves.
His capabilities as an accelerator are a weapon in creating separation, even if you have Safety help.
Not many corners can match Waddle's combination of suddenness & play speed.
What makes him such a threat on double moves is how he can square his shoulders to make it look like an inside/outside breaking route.
Waddle can immediately enter vertical acceleration and give the brief, dramatic appearance of a continuation.
Watch what this does to the Safety.
Waddle squares towards midfield, then immediately breaks boundary side and re-enters acceleration.
Being able to drop his weight and create a propulsive shift that is prominent enough to efficiently accelerate out of his break is unbelievably difficult to mirror if you are a defensive back.
2 - Play speed
Waddle's combined capabilities as a multi-dimensional accelerator, as well as his high peak velocity, jump off the screen when you first watch him play.
There aren't many defensive backs that can match him stride for stride and we see this show up just as much on cross-field patterns as we do vertically.
With Waddle, he'll find more efficiency in the slot than outside.
We talk about players with Waddle's capabilities as being "field-stretchers," but his role will involve winning sideline to sideline just as much as it will vertically.
Yes, at the NFL level Waddle will be a primary vertical option. however, he will provide additional value in how he opens up all levels for his offense with the attention he commands.
Rare play speed.
Devin Hester-like in his ability to erase angles at will.
You can't teach this, you can't time this, all you can do is appreciate that we get to watch it on Sunday afternoons.
Notice also how he slips inside Smith's block and doesn't lose a step.
Alabama had the two best curvilinear accelerators in the Nation in their Wide Receiver room.
Waddle is the most dangerous in-space receiver that we have seen in some time.
Getting him the ball with room should be priority number one for an NFL offense.
I do not think he will run a broad route tree at the next level, but he will threaten a defense whenever he is on the field.
3 - Creating yards post catch & impact as a returner
Mentioned Devin Hester before, but Waddle is the best returner since Hester took the NFL by storm in 2006.
Waddle is just as good in a phone booth as he is in space, and displays a high level of intellect as a mover to become a future All-pro caliber return man.
Waddle adds immediate value on special teams, and that is a positive mark on his already impressive profile.
His value as a two phase player shouldn't be overlooked.
A lot is said about Waddle as a speed threat, however, he is smooth, abrupt and efficient as a lateral mover who chains planes extremely well. (lateral to linear etc.)
He'll work more on the first & third level of a defense, and will be manufactured touches in the screen & sweep game.
Like mentioned before, Waddle is a high-quality in-space player who will demand touches at the line of scrimmage with how well he reads and feels defenses.
Is he a true three-level option like his teammate, DeVonta Smith?
Not necessarily, but he doesn't need to be to develop into a consistent and impactful contributor.
Another reason Waddle is a fantastic option in the slot.
You can get blockers out in front of him and give him the wide side of the field to work with in the screen game.
Continually impressed with how he reads downfield blocking and sets up second-level defenders.
Sarkisian found an abundance of creative ways to get Waddle into space.
This is a blessing and a curse at the NFL level due to some coordinators' lacking the creativity to seemingly scheme Waddle into advantageous situations.
Waddle doesn't profile as a dominant outside receiver like Chase, or a three-level, multi-positional threat like Smith so it will be up to his offensive coordinator to utilize his outstanding athletic qualities efficiently.
Again, creativity will be key to unlocking the sky-high ceiling of Waddle.
Jet touches, bubble screens, end arounds, etc. are where Waddle thrives in addition to his downfield skillset.
4 - Consistency in contested catch situations & in-air athleticism
Waddle is without a doubt a top-shelf deep threat.
The commonality he shows with those who have had success on the third level in the NFL is the ability to win when contested on downfield targets.
The ability to adjust, and correctly track underthrows is an underrated aspect of Waddle as a downfield receiver.
There is more than just speed to his game, and he shows that consistently.
Read, time and shield.
Read the flight path - time the leap - shield the ball from the defender.
Waddle is a versatile threat at the third level of a defense and can adjust with the best of them.
5 - 'Why Jaylen Waddle?' | Prospect podcast
6 - Ascension grades
Tier 1: 75.00 & over -- Gold Jacket potential
Tier 2: 65.00 - 74.99 -- All-pro ceiling
Tier 3: 55.00 - 64.99 -- Pro-bowl ceiling
Tier 4: 49.98 - 54.99 -- High floor primary receiving option
Tier 5: 44.96 - 49.97 -- High ceiling / High-risk prospect
Tier 6: 39.50 - 44.95 -- Niche role player / spot producer
Tier 7: 39.49 & below -- Depth player with low ceiling
