He's in the mix with Smith and Chase for the top3 in the upcoming draft. Let's see what we have here with this kid: 22 years old junior, 5'10/182, strenghts include his speed.
Waddle played only 6 games in 2020, and essentially only 4; he got injured on the opening play of the 5th game of the season against Tenessee, then returned for only 3 receptions against Ohio. The first 4 games of the season on the other hand he averaged (AVERAGED) almost 140 yd and a TD on 6 receptions per game. That's impressive.
Let's take a look at the game against Georgia where he had 6 rec for 161 yd and a TD, 1 negative yardage rush, a kick and a punt return. Should be plenty to see.
Short dump-off, RB style; 3 linemen in front of him bulldozing the bulldogs out of the way and he goes essentially free to the first down; if he doesn't stumble I think he can go all the way (it's not completely clear to me if somebody got him by the bootlaces).
Now watch this. After Mac Jones throws the pass to the #8 (John Metchie), then Waddle appears in the left corner of our screen. He has a good situational awareness, first tries to block the Georgia #7, then when that guy flies by, turns to see what else he can do and blocks the #13 (more or less by accident, but he's there). I like that kind of effort: never give up, always do more.
Another dump-off, this time without protection from the O-line and he quickly gets tackled by 3 guys for 2 net yards. There were a couple more dump-offs that I won't put here, similar story.
Run blocking on the right side for Najee Harris (who goes left). I like that again he keeps fighting until the end of the play (maybe a bit too much).
Important play for Alabama: Mac Jones in trouble throws to Waddle who probably ran an in or curl with plenty of separation (it seems Georgia played some deep cover as Alabama was trying to reach FG range). Bad throw, but Waddle makes an athletic catch.
This is the TD; he beats the CB on speed, and then the CB stumbles, leaving the field wide open. Nice for the fans but not that interesting as a play.
So. He's fast; he's clearly not the guy who breaks multiple tackles; I think he can be a good slot receiver on the right team, with always the threat to break out or go deep.
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