Dolphins’ duo of top draft picks will get look for return duties

Jevon Holland and Jaylen Waddle are two of Miami’s dynamic members of the team’s class of 2021. And all of the foreshadowing regarding the expectations around both Holland and Waddle thus far into their young Dolphins careers suggests that both will find significant snaps, if not starting roles, right away as members of the 2021 Dolphins.

But both players bring something else to the table aside of being a defensive standout or an explosive offensive weapon. The duo of rookies also brings a pedigree as kick returners and special teams contributors to the table — and, according to Special Teams Coordinator Danny Crossman, both talents will get the chance to compete for those reps at the NFL level as early as 2021 as well.

“Yeah, (Waddle will) have a chance to compete. Those guys will take care of that as we go. We feel good about a lot of guys. It’s a good luxury to have, to have multiple guys that have experience and have done good things. I don’t think you can have any fear,” said Crossman yesterday during a press availability with the South Florida media.

“It’s an opportunity to change the game regardless of who is back there, so you’re going to put your guys back there that give you the best opportunity. Fortunately I think we have a couple of those.”

Waddle may serve as the star of the conversation, given his role as a returner at Alabama and the fact that he suffered his 2020 injury while returning an opening kickoff against Tennessee, but Crossman is quick to remind that there are several contenders on the roster who could claim the job.

“Again, anybody that has any ability and any skills to be able to be a returner is going to work there. Who and how that plays out, I think we’re fortunate that we’re back to having more of a traditional preseason with preseason games where guys are able to stake claim to positions in game situations. Those guys will define that but anybody that has any skills is always going to work at those positions.”