Alabama Football: Jaylen Waddle’s draft ceiling and floor

How high can Alabama football’s Jaylen Waddle be drafted?

With the 2021 NFL Mock Draft approaching, we are seeing some clarity with the top few picks. However, chaos begins with the fourth pick and will continue until the draft is over. Because of this, it is almost impossible to predict where Alabama football players will be drafted.

One player waiting to learn about his future is Jaylen Waddle. While injuries and depth limited his stats, he was easily one of the most talented players on the field in almost every game. His speed is elite, but he shows his agility as well.

While he is one of the three best receivers in the 2021 NFL Draft, the class is deep, and we’ve seen Alabama football players fall in the past. With that in mind, what is a realistic ceiling and floor for Jaylen Waddle in the draft?

Ceiling: Miami Dolphins, 6th overall

There is no way that Jaylen Waddle goes in the top five. The first three picks will be quarterbacks. While Atlanta loves Alabama football receivers, they will either take Kyle Pitts, trade down or draft a quarterback. If the Bengals take a receiver, it will almost certainly be Ja’Marr Chase.

The Dolphins make a lot of sense. With Will Fuller and Davante Parker on the outside, Waddle could start in the slot and add another layer to this Miami offense. It would pair Tua with his former receiver, and it would help the Dolphins evaluate Tua’s ability to throw the ball down the field.

Floor: New England Patriots, 15th overall

This isn’t that bad of a floor. Unless something unforeseen happens, I don’t see Waddle falling past the New England Patriots. He should go in the top 10, but there is no reason to believe he will fall past the Pats.

There are plenty of teams who need receivers, but other needs are on the board. The Lions could go defense or even draft Penei Sewell if he falls. The Giants added a receiver in free agency, so they might look for depth in later rounds. Even if the Eagles think about taking Jaylen Waddle, there is a chance that they could take a corner instead.

If Waddle is on the board at 15th overall, that means that other teams have taken quarterbacks, linemen and defensive players. At that point, his value is too much for the Patriots to pass up.

While Waddle is more likely to land closer to his ceiling than his floor, this is the spectrum for him as the 2021 NFL Draft approaches.