There's Value in Jaylen Waddle's Week 1 Prediction

There were three wide receivers and four pass catchers taken in the top 10 in the 2021 NFL Draft, but one of them, Jaylen Waddle, seems to be getting less love than the rest. 

Waddle, the No. 6 overall pick, is sixth among rookie pass catchers to lead the group in receiving in Week 1, and I can’t help but feel like there’s some real value in taking him in this prop. 

Look, DeVonta Smith, Kyle Pitts and Ja’Marr Chase all may have more defined roles than Waddle at this point, but WynnBET has Rondale Moore, who’s competing with DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green and Christian Kirk for targets in Arizona, ahead of Waddle in this prop. 

I don’t care how well Rondale Moore played this preseason, that’s disrespectful to Jaylen Waddle considering Will Fuller V is suspended for the Miami Dolphins in Week 1. 

Here’s the full odds list:

Rookies: Most Receiving Yards Week 1 Odds

• DeVonta Smith: +300
• Ja’Marr Chase: +350
• Kyle Pitts: +500
• Elijah Moore: +500
• Rondale Moore: +750
• Jaylen Waddle: +1000
• Amon-Ra St. Brown: +1500
• Terrace Marshall Jr.: +2000
• Kadarius Toney: +2000

Some on the Miami beat have claimed that Waddle has outplayed Chase, which isn’t hard to do given the fact that Chase struggled with drops this offseason, but it’s still notable.

With Fuller out in Week 1 against the New England Patriots, Waddle and DeVante Parker will be Miami's top two options at receiver. Considering the Pats won’t have star corner Stephon Gilmore (PUP list), Waddle could be in line for a big day against a suddenly vulnerable Patriots’ secondary. 

He’s still somewhat of a long shot to win this prop, but at +1000 odds, you won’t find a better value. Rondale and Elijah Moore both have a lot of competition for targets heading into Week 1, and until we see how they fit into the offense, they’re a risky pick. 

Waddle is going to see looks by default, and the more opportunity the better for the rookie. Don’t sleep on the No. 6 pick to prove why Miami took him so high this offseason.

Do you believe in Jaylen Waddle in Week 1? Download the WynnBET app and make your pick.