Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is on pace for a historic rookie season.
Waddle has been targeted heavily, and as a result of that, is near the top of the league in receptions this season. Waddle’s 25 receptions in 2021 puts him at No. 13 in receptions, after Week 4.
It may be hard to believe, but that would put Waddle on pace for a historic amount of catches this season.
While Waddle trails fellow rookie Najee Harris (who has 26 catches), Waddle’s 25 receptions this season would put him on pace to finish with 106 receptions. This would break the record for most receptions by a rookie in a season.
The current record for receptions by a rookie in a season was set by Anquan Boldin in 2003, when he recorded 101 receptions.
While being in the record books is always an incredible feat, it isn’t all perfect for the Dolphins receiver. Waddle is averaging a mere 8.0 yards per reception this season, which is the second-lowest among all receivers, per StatMuse.
The year Boldin set the receiving record, he finished with 1,377 yards. With Waddle’s current pace, he would finish with 850 yards.
While it is a long season, it seems clear that the Dolphins need to get the ball in Waddle’s hands further down the field. Only two receivers have a lower average depth of target (4.0 yards) and 111 of Waddle’s 200 yards have came after the catch.