Latest news with #Waddle
Miami Herald
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Kelly: Ten things Dolphins need minicamp to provide clues on
The trauma Miami Dolphins fans experience isn't accidental. It has been triggered by 25-years of being lost in the wilderness as a franchise, a result of neglect, or malpractice. The problem South Florida has entering this season is there's little evidence anyone in the organization has found a way back to NFL relevancy, ending Miami's 25-year run of not winning a playoff game because the roster is young, cheaper and less experienced. But certainly not more talented. The Dolphins are annually filled with drama on and off the field, and this spring hasn't provided any relief. And the rough ride isn't over either because of Jalen Ramsey's beef with the organization and contract disputes with Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith and Zach Sieler, the team's top defensive lineman. However, the Dolphins can conclude the offseason program by answering a few questions favorably with the performance they put on during next week's mandatory minicamp. Here's a look at 10 lingering questions about the 2025 Dolphins: 1. Can Jaylen Waddle carry the offense? Tyreek Hill is sidelined by the wrist injury that plagued him all last season, which was surgically operated on this spring. He won't be cleared to catch passes until some time in August. His absence provides Waddle the opportunity to prove he's more than just a complementary player. Considering the Dolphins are paying their 2021 first-round pick an average salary of $19.3 million a year for the next three seasons it would be ideal if Waddle, who contributed 744 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 58 receptions last season, played like he's one of the NFL's 25 highest-paid receivers. 2. Are Dolphins better off with or without Hill? The world knows who Hill is as a talent (dynamic playmaker) and person (an attention-seeking knucklehead). The problem is, the two can't coexist in Miami any longer, and the Dolphins need to get Hill to lock in and regain his status as one of the NFL's elite receivers. The wrist injury has kept Hill off the field during during team drills, but he looks slimmer and is still fast. The biggest question centers around when he will mature and start acting like a 31-year-old? If he doesn't will Miami move him by the trade deadline. 3. Has Miami found a third receiver? The Dolphins signed Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to a two-year deal worth $6 million hoping he would beef up Miami's smurfish receiver unit, but the five-year veteran has sparingly made plays during the practices the media has attended. We have seen more production from Malik Washington, who is beginning his second season, and Dee Eskridge., a former second-round pick Miami signed to the practice squad last season and has been developing. At this point in the offseason program, which doesn't feature any pads, we should expect more impressive passing plays from Miami's receivers since they are going up against a young and inexperienced secondary. 4. Is there a solid starting secondary on this roster? The Dolphins have a lot of bodies in the secondary, but playmakers need to step forward to establish a starting role since Ramsey's days as a Dolphins are numbered as he awaits a trade. Ashtyn Davis, Ifeatu Melifonwu and Elijah Campbell are the realistic options to replace Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer as Miami's starting safeties. But it's anyone's guess who will start alongside Kader Kohou as Miami's boundary cornerbacks. At this point it could be anyone, from a player on the roster to a cornerback still seeking work. 5. Do edge rushers give Dolphins defense a bite? If healthy, Bradley Chubb, Jalean Phillips and Chop Robinson might be the best pass rushing trio in the AFC, if not the NFL. All three have dynamic first steps, paired with top-shelf athleticism, and have used it to give offensive linemen fits during OTAs. The biggest challenge Miami has is to get everyone healthy, and fit for September games, which is when it counts. Chubb and Phillips must shed their fragile reputations, and Robinson needs to become an every-down edge, becoming better at stopping the run. Is it reasonable to expect this trio to help the Dolphins produce more than last year's 35 sacks? 6. Did Miami upgrade at backup quarterback? We've seen Zach Wilson for two practices, and they've been polar opposite experiences. During our first sneak peek he looked like the first-round bust that got run out of New York after three seasons. During our second look Wilson was efficient, made quick decisions, and showed off his relatively strong arm. Miami needs to make sure Wilson's ready to keep this season afloat just in case something happens to Tua Tagovailoa because if he doesn't everyone in the organization will be updating their resumes. It would benefit Miami's coaches to find out what Wilson's wheelhouse is now and create a game plan for it now. 7. Have the guard spots become settled? James Daniels, Miami's top free agent signee of the offseason, hasn't taken one snap during OTAs. Rookie Jonah Savaiinaea is being tested at both guard spots. At some point (likely August) we'll need to assess where Daniels is in his return from the Achilles injury he sustained in September, and have the Dolphins' 2025 second-round pick settle into his new spot, whether it be at right guard or left guard. The Dolphins clearly aren't there yet, and the caliber of backup options isn't exactly appealing. 8. Are there adequate backups on the offensive line? Watching two practices makes it abundantly clear that Miami doesn't have a backup left tackle on the training camp roster, which could become extremely problematic if an injury sidelines Patrick Paul for a prolonged period. While pads haven't come on, let's not pretend that Larry Borom, Ryan Hayes, Kion Smith and Jackson Carman can handle becoming spot starter at left tackle, the most important offensive line position. And at this point Liam Eichenberg is the team's top backup, which virtually assures he will start a handful of games because of the team's injury history. General Chris Grier might want to address that before August arrives, signing a veteran who still wants to play but intends on joining a team after minicamp. 9. Is there a tight end capable of replacing Jonnu Smith? Imagine trading Smith to Pittsburgh for something less than a fourth-round pick, and then pretending that the offense can, and will get better with Julian Hill and Tanner Conner as the lead horse at that position. Trade Smith and it's clear that the offense, if not the entire team, is regressing, if not rebuilding. Smith and his agent are pursuing a drastic increase to his $4.1 million salary, and if the Dolphins don't at least offer to double his 2025 salary they will be sending the wrong message to the locker room. However, his absence from practice, which will likely carry on through training camp, opens the door for Hill and Conner to future impress Miami's coaches. Tight end coach Jon Embree is a big fan of both youngsters, but are they ready to handle a heavier load? 10. Can De'Von Achane step forward as a leader? It's very apparent that Miami is putting young players in position to elevate their statures, and roles on the team, and that includes Achane, who delivered two impressive seasons in his first two years. Achane, who produced 1,499 scrimmage yards last year, is blossoming into an alpha-like leader, which is unique to see because of what was perceived as a quiet demeanor. I guess every player needs time to grow up before he can spread his wings.
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Three Alabama players in NFL picked for bounce-back seasons in 2025 by PFF
Three Alabama players in NFL picked for bounce-back seasons in 2025 by PFF Three former Alabama football players could be poised for a bounce-back season in the NFL, one national outlet believes. Pro Football Focus (PFF) on Thursday named bounce-back candidates for all 32 NFL teams in 2025. Former Crimson Tide receiver Jaylen Waddle was PFF's choice as the Miami Dolphins' bounce-back player, while two defensive standouts under Nick Saban made the list: Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris and New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore. In breaking down each candidate, PFF's Dalton Wasserman said of Waddle: "Miami's instability at quarterback appeared to impact Jaylen Waddle's production more than any other offensive weapon. He recorded at least 99 receiving yards in three games — all with Tua Tagovailoa under center — but failed to top 57 yards in any other contest. His 71.5 receiving grade was the lowest of his career by a significant margin. As is often the case with the Dolphins, Waddle's 2025 outlook is closely tied to Tagovailoa's health. If the quarterback stays on the field, a bounce-back season should be well within reach for Waddle." Waddle, the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, played in 15 games last year and posted career-low numbers during his fourth NFL season. He caught 58 passes for 744 yards (12.8 AVG). Waddle sustained a right knee injury in the Dolphins' Week 15 loss to the Texans and missed Miami's next two games. Harris, who played at Alabama from 2019-21, also dealt with injuries in 2024 after a stellar 2023 season in Houston for former Crimson Tide linebacker DeMeco Ryans. He was limited to just three games last year but made 100 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and two pass breakups in 2023 when the Texans won the AFC South and advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs. PFF said of Harris: "Harris' 2024 season was derailed by a preseason calf injury that kept him sidelined until Week 15. During Houston's 2023 playoff run, he had begun to carve out a role as a coverage specialist within the linebacker corps, earning a 72.2 coverage grade, a top-25 mark among NFL linebackers that year. He may not return to a full-time starting role in 2025, but regaining that form would be a valuable boost for a defense that struggled to get similar production from Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To'o To'o last season." Harris was a third-round pick (75th overall) by the Texans in 2022 and was a Butkus Award finalist in both 2021 and 2022 while at Alabama. Barmore, a second-round pick by the Patriots in 2021 after New England traded up to get him with the 38th overall selection, played at Alabama from 2019-20 and was named to the Freshman All-SEC team in 2020. He was second in the SEC in sacks that year with eight. PFF said of Barmore: "Barmore appeared to be a rising star in 2023 after posting an 84.9 pass rush grade. Unfortunately, he missed most of last season due to blood clot issues, appearing in only four games. By all accounts, he should be cleared to play by Week 1 this season and could form a dynamic defensive tackle duo with Milton Williams, who led the position in pass-rush grade last season. For a team that ranked 30th in interior pass rush grade last season, New England is in a very good spot up front, especially if Barmore plays like he did in 2023." Barmore's explosive 2023 season included career-highs in tackles (64), sacks (8.5) and pass breakups (six). Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Dolphins' Jaylen Waddle delves into OTAs vibe amid team's trade rumors
Dolphins' Jaylen Waddle delves into OTAs vibe amid team's trade rumors Despite trade rumors swirling around two of Miami's best players, Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle sounded unfazed by all of it on Tuesday. "Pretty regular, everybody that's here is working," Waddle said of the vibe in Miami Gardens during OTAs. "We do know that it's a business and people be having different business things going on. We've been solid, keeping the main thing, the main thing, and just working, man." Along with seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith has been linked to trade talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers. As star receiver Tyreek Hill is still recovering from a surgical repair to his wrist, that injury recovery and Smith's potential trade situation has removed two key offensive weapons during OTAs. Waddle discussed how he approaches practices minus that duo. "I approach it as any other day. I don't think it really matters so much of who's on the field, who's not on the field. Just go out there and work man. Approach it, I'm trying to get better each and every day, trying to make the other side better each and every day. It's not really a different approach. I think our just overall offensive approach this offseason has been pretty good," Waddle said. Waddle is coming off a 2024 season where he finished with career-lows in catches (58), yards (744) and touchdowns (2). The 2021 first-round NFL draft pick out of Alabama signed a three-year, $84.75 million contract extension ahead of last season. But, given how last season played out for both the Dolphins as a team and for Waddle individually, it's not surprising to see him locked in regardless of what contract and trade situations might be unfolding around him.
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Health
- Miami Herald
Dolphins receiver Waddle juggles the basics as he looks to bounce back in 2025
Jaylen Waddle was happy during the Miami Dolphins' Tuesday afternoon practice despite the dreary, rainy weather. In between plays, Waddle and former University of Alabama teammate Tua Tagovailoa were talking it up on the sidelines — laughing and chatting as the air horn blew, ending the day. During these practices during organized team activities, Waddle can often be found chatting it up with defenders, raising the stakes of practice. Few passes found their way in Waddle's direction on Tuesday, but he was a top standout performer in last week's practice the media attended. And he has mastered one of the challenges new position coach Robert Prince is laboring to teach, working with all the receivers on the art of juggling, which is aimed at improving their hand-eye coordination. 'I learned in two days!' Waddle bragged, pointing out he used TikTok as an instructional tool. 'RP [Robert Prince] challenged us to learn, [and] it's actually pretty fun. I'm trying to learn some new techniques.' He's also trying to refine his game, running better routes and becoming more consistent with his hands. After a disappointing 2024 season, where the 26-year-old averaged 49.6 yards per game and totaled 744 receiving yards, Waddle's gearing up for 2025 by 'smoothing out' his routes, with the goal of taking his game to another level. The Dolphins' offense had a shaky season in 2024, averaging 325.4 yards per game. That's a far cry from the 2023 season where Miami delivered the top-ranked offense. With his $85 million contract extension, which runs through 2028, the hope is that Waddle begins to step up and performs like he's one of the NFL's 15 highest-paid receivers. '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, but also how much we depend on how he is as a football player in extremely non-selfish ways,' coach Mike McDaniel said. 'I'm really excited about what 2025 has in store for him, based upon the excitement that he gives me every day attacking this craft.' In last week's OTA practices, Waddle had two catchers more than 30 yards and was easily a standout player from the practice. This week, on a short pass from Tagovailoa, he made a clean break through a crowded defense and pulled down a reception that was good for 20-plus yards. As fellow receiver Tyreek Hill's future on the team remains uncertain, due to his ongoing wrist injury, age, and a potential trade he initially requested and then backed off, this could be the year Waddle steps up as the number one receiver. 'I just go out there and do my job, man,' said Waddle, who missed three games because of a knee injury he sustained in early December. 'Whatever they ask me to do, I just go out there and do it, [and] try to do it at a high level.' In his first season with the Dolphins after becoming the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Waddle showed promise with 63.4 yards per game and 1,015 receiving yards. He set a rookie record for receiving yards in that season. In 2022, he had his best season yet, balancing out the Dolphins offense with 1,356 receiving yards, averaging 79.8 per game. He also scored eight touchdowns. Now, the question remains if his first three seasons were flashes in a pan, and is his 2024 performance the new norm? Or can Waddle work his way back into a starring role for this Dolphins offense? '[Last season was] definitely not the year that we wanted as a team, definitely a year I didn't want as an individual,' Waddle said. 'But lucky for me, we get to go back [with the] same quarterback, same head coach, [offensive coordinator] and running back. Man, I think the foundation that we set here in OTA is going to really help us.'
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jaylen Waddle stats, game log, news, injury status
Jaylen Waddle stats, game log, news, injury status The Miami Dolphins' Jaylen Waddle will be ready to go when his team begins the 2025 season versus the Indianapolis Colts, on Sept. 7 at 1 p.m. ET. Waddle tacked on 58 grabs for 744 yards and two touchdowns last year. He was targeted 83 times and averaged 49.6 yards per game. Get Dolphins tickets on StubHub! Jaylen Waddle injury news Waddle is not on the injury list this week. No other receivers are listed on the injury report for the Dolphins. Jaylen Waddle stats (2024) Targets: 83 83 Receptions: 58 58 Receiving yards: 744 744 Receiving YAC: 236 236 Receiving TDs: 2 Waddle game log (2024) Week 1 vs. Jaguars: 5 TAR, 5 REC, 109 REC YDS, 0 REC TD 5 TAR, 5 REC, 109 REC YDS, 0 REC TD Week 2 vs. Bills: 4 TAR, 4 REC, 41 REC YDS, 0 REC TD 4 TAR, 4 REC, 41 REC YDS, 0 REC TD Week 3 at Seahawks: 5 TAR, 4 REC, 26 REC YDS, 0 REC TD 5 TAR, 4 REC, 26 REC YDS, 0 REC TD Week 4 vs. Titans: 6 TAR, 4 REC, 36 REC YDS, 0 REC TD 6 TAR, 4 REC, 36 REC YDS, 0 REC TD Week 5 at Patriots: 8 TAR, 4 REC, 46 REC YDS, 0 REC TD 8 TAR, 4 REC, 46 REC YDS, 0 REC TD Week 7 at Colts: 2 TAR, 1 REC, 11 REC YDS, 0 REC TD 2 TAR, 1 REC, 11 REC YDS, 0 REC TD Week 8 vs. Cardinals: 6 TAR, 4 REC, 45 REC YDS, 0 REC TD 6 TAR, 4 REC, 45 REC YDS, 0 REC TD Week 9 at Bills: 2 TAR, 2 REC, -4 REC YDS, 1 REC TD 2 TAR, 2 REC, -4 REC YDS, 1 REC TD Week 10 at Rams: 6 TAR, 3 REC, 57 REC YDS, 0 REC TD 6 TAR, 3 REC, 57 REC YDS, 0 REC TD Week 11 vs. Raiders: 3 TAR, 2 REC, 37 REC YDS, 0 REC TD 3 TAR, 2 REC, 37 REC YDS, 0 REC TD Week 12 vs. Patriots: 9 TAR, 8 REC, 144 REC YDS, 1 REC TD 9 TAR, 8 REC, 144 REC YDS, 1 REC TD Week 13 at Packers: 4 TAR, 4 REC, 53 REC YDS, 0 REC TD 4 TAR, 4 REC, 53 REC YDS, 0 REC TD Week 14 vs. Jets: 12 TAR, 9 REC, 99 REC YDS, 0 REC TD 12 TAR, 9 REC, 99 REC YDS, 0 REC TD Week 15 at Texans: 2 TAR, 0 REC, 0 REC YDS, 0 REC TD 2 TAR, 0 REC, 0 REC YDS, 0 REC TD Week 18 at Jets: 9 TAR, 4 REC, 44 REC YDS, 0 REC TD Jaylen Waddle fantasy insights (2024) In 2024, Waddle was 47th at his position and 162nd in the NFL in fantasy points, with 91.6 (6.1 per game). Waddle picked up 20.4 fantasy points -- eight receptions, 144 yards and one touchdown -- in his best game of the season. That was in Week 12 against the New England Patriots. Waddle's 11.9 fantasy points in Week 14 against the New York Jets -- nine receptions, 99 yards -- were his second-best fantasy output of the season. Waddle recorded 1.1 fantasy points -- one catch, 11 yards, on two targets -- in Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts, which was his second-worst fantasy output of the season. Next game: Jaylen Waddle vs. the Indianapolis Colts The Miami Dolphins (0-0) meet the Colts (0-0) in their next game. How to watch Jaylen Waddle and the Dolphins Matchup: Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts Time: 1 p.m. ET 1 p.m. ET Date: September 7, 2025 September 7, 2025 TV: CBS CBS Live stream: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply) Fubo Live stream: Paramount+ Watch Dolphins vs. Colts on Fubo!
