The Denver Broncos made waves in the NFL on Tuesday by acquiring Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. In exchange, the Dolphins receive first, third, and fourth-round picks from the Broncos, along with sending their own fourth-round pick to Denver.
This move injects much-needed offensive firepower into the Broncos' lineup, making their wide receiver corps suddenly quite formidable. Broncos fans, if you’re not already familiar with Waddle, you're in for a treat.
He's one of the league's quickest and most elusive receivers. Here’s what you need to know about the newest Bronco:
5 Things to Know About Jaylen Waddle
National Champion:
Waddle hails from a powerhouse football program at Alabama, where he was part of the national championship team in 2020. During that season, he snagged 28 passes and scored four touchdowns for the Crimson Tide.
High Draft Pick:
In the 2021 NFL Draft, Waddle was selected sixth overall, right after the Bengals picked Ja'Marr Chase. This made him the highest-drafted wide receiver in Dolphins history.
Rookie Record:
Waddle made an immediate impact in the NFL, setting a rookie record with 104 receptions in 2021, a mark that had stood for 18 years. Although this record has since been surpassed, Waddle was just the second rookie in NFL history to achieve over 100 receptions in a season at that time.
Another High Mark in 2022:
In the following season, Waddle led the league by averaging 18.1 yards per reception among players with at least 25 catches, showcasing his big-play ability.
The Broncos had their eyes on adding an offensive weapon before last year's trade deadline and inquired about Waddle's availability. Initially, the Dolphins demanded more than a first-round pick. Now, a few months later, the Broncos have met that price, bringing Waddle to Denver.
With Waddle on board, the Broncos' offense is poised for an exciting transformation. Keep your eyes peeled, Broncos Country-this season just got a whole lot more intriguing.