In the world of NFL roster building, even the pros are tapping into college football wisdom. The Denver Broncos recently turned to none other than Nick Saban, the legendary former Alabama head coach, for some insights. Broncos GM George Paton reportedly reached out to Saban before making a big move to acquire wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, a scout with close ties to Saban got the lowdown on Waddle. Saban praised Waddle as competitive, tough, and incredibly agile, able to change direction with the best of them. These traits were on full display during Waddle's time at Alabama, where he burst onto the scene as a true freshman, racking up 848 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
Though his numbers dipped a bit in 2019, Waddle still had standout moments, including a memorable performance in the Iron Bowl against Auburn. He snagged four passes for 98 yards and three touchdowns, leaving a lasting impression on Bo Nix, now the Broncos' quarterback. Nix recalled that game as one of the greatest individual performances he'd witnessed, despite Auburn edging out Alabama 48-45.
Waddle’s college journey hit a bump when he broke his foot in his final season, sidelining him after a blistering start. But his resilience shone through as he returned for the national championship against Ohio State, contributing to Alabama’s dominant 52-24 victory with three crucial catches.
Since being drafted by the Miami Dolphins, Waddle has only elevated his game. Over five seasons, he’s amassed 373 receptions for 5,039 yards and 26 touchdowns, often catching passes from his former Alabama teammate, Tua Tagovailoa.
However, following a rocky 2025 season, Miami decided to shake things up, parting ways with head coach Mike McDaniel and Tagovailoa. This led to Waddle’s trade to Denver, where he joins forces with Nix. The Broncos gave up a first, third, and fourth-round pick in the upcoming draft, banking on Waddle to be the elite weapon they need to make a serious run at the AFC Championship.