Alabama Football: What to expect from Tua and Jaylen

Two Alabama football players will be teammates again in Miami

Two years ago, Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle were torching SEC defenses as teammates. After successful Alabama football careers, they are teammates once again with the Miami Dolphins.

Waddle was drafted sixth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, and he will see his first bit of NFL experience against the Chicago Bears this Saturday. Miami traveled to Chicago for a week of practice, and they’ll end the week with their first preseason game of the year.

There are clearly high expectations for the two former Alabama football stars this year. Miami has a solid chance to make the NFL Playoffs, and their two highest picks of the past two years will help them achieve that goal.

In terms of this one game, expectations should be low. Waddle has played well in practice, but there is no telling how many snaps he will get in the first preseason game. Miami has a lot of weapons, and they’ll have to make some tough decisions with who will make the roster. The preseason is a chance to make those decisions, so Waddle won’t play an entire game.

For the entire season, expectations should be high for both Tua and Waddle. They already have chemistry from their days with Alabama football. Waddle adds speed to the equation, and Tua can finally show his ability to push the ball downfield.

Rookies rarely thrive at receiver, but Waddle is in a position to succeed. He can make plays at all levels of the field. He’s stepping into a situation where the Dolphins need him to perform. If he stays healthy, Waddle could surpass 1000 receiving yards in 2021-22.

Expectations are higher for Tua. Last year, he went 6-3 as the starter. This season, he needs to play an entire year and compete for a playoff spot. The Dolphins have built around him, and it is now time for him to produce.