5 bold predictions for Dolphins against Bills

4. Jaylen Waddle gets the most yards of any Dolphins receiver

Predicting that a rookie receiver scores the most air yards would seem bold for anyone unfamiliar with Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle’s crimson history.

Week 1 wasn’t the first time Waddle caught receptions at the hands of Tagovailoa: the pair first played together in 2018 when Waddle was a freshman and Tagovailoa was the star sophomore quarterback.

However, Waddle wasn’t just known as a receiver: he became one of the best special teams players in Alabama history. During his last season with Tagovailoa, he was the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year. That year, Waddle led the nation in punt return average at 24.4 yards per return, totaling 20 returns for 487 yards and a touchdown. This included his longest return of an impressive 77 yards.

In Week 1, the alma mater chemistry was clear, as Waddle finished the game with the team’s second-most receiving yards with 61 yards on four receptions and a touchdown.

What Waddle’s time in Alabama and his 15.3 yards per NFL reception prove is that he is a shifty, skilled deep threat that can catch tough kicks and passes alike. While Tagovailoa continues to develop his NFL talents in his sophomore season, Waddle will be someone he relies on for success. After all, it’s why the Dolphins drafted him in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Waddle is already a key factor on this offense, and if Tagovailoa throws for over 300 yards again, expect Waddle to nab at least half of those yards.