Jaylen Waddle talks his decision to enter the NFL Draft and the comparisons to DeVonta Smith
Yahoo Sports NFL Draft expert Eric Edholm spoke with star Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle about his injury-shortened season, his dreams for the NFL and his favorite way to score a touchdown.
Video Transcript
ERIC EDHOLM: Well, we are pleased to be joined by Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, fresh off a national championship with the Crimson Tide in January. Jaylen, after you lost the title game your freshman year, missed out on the playoffs the next year, how did finally hoisting the trophy feel to you this time around?
JAYLEN WADDLE: Man, it felt good. Like, a feeling you can't even describe, you know? Especially not being in the college playoffs the year before. And losing it the year, my freshman year. So, it just felt unbelievable.
ERIC EDHOLM: And to have, maybe, extra meaning as well. I mean, you suffered the ankle injury against Tennessee on the opening kickoff. 78 days later, you were out there in the field catching passes. As it got closer to facing Ohio State, was there any doubt in your mind that you may not be physically ready to come back at full strength or close to it?
JAYLEN WADDLE: Well I think everyone knew I wasn't going to be, you know, 100%. But it was just about giving 100% of what I did have. So kind of an easy decision when it really boiled down to it.
ERIC EDHOLM: Before the injury, you had more receiving yards, same number of touchdowns as DeVonta Smith this past season. Could your Heisman season, you know, been in place of his? Do you ever think about it in those terms had you not been injured?
JAYLEN WADDLE: Not-- never. Obviously, the injury happened. And what happened happened. And Smitty really stepped into his own after injury. And he did tremendous and really helped the team, and really showcased his ability.
ERIC EDHOLM: All right, take us through your decision to declare for the 2021 NFL draft. You announced it a few days after winning the National title. Any thought of coming back for a final senior year, maybe having, you know, that showcase season the way DeVonta did? Or was it a pretty easy choice to come out now?
JAYLEN WADDLE: Oh, I just think after talking to my coaches and my family, and just really thinking on my own, I think it was just the best decision that I just go and take the next step into my journey. But, it was pretty easy, pretty head on.
ERIC EDHOLM: And how is the ankle feeling now? And are you planning to work out at Alabama's pro day? Are there any specific goals for the testing portion that you have, if you are?
JAYLEN WADDLE: Oh yeah. Most definitely. I definitely plan on showcasing at the pro day. Definitely. Doing drills and rehabbing now. And slowly but surely, just going well right now.
ERIC EDHOLM: We can't let you off that easy. Do you have a 40 time in mind? Do you have a bod jump or a vertical or any other numbers that you're hoping to hit in these workouts, or numbers that you've reached in the past that you want to reach again?
JAYLEN WADDLE: I'm just going to let that be a surprise. I'm just going to let that marinate in you all mind. And when the time comes, just know. I'm just going to let that marinate. I don't want to speak on it.
ERIC EDHOLM: Let's get real here, though. Just sort of stacking up you and DeVonta. You have different styles of play, different body sizes, all that. But, give me one thing that you feel you do better or differently than he does. And give me one thing that DeVonta does that might be a little bit more advanced than you at this point.
JAYLEN WADDLE: Well, I think Smitty's game just speaks for itself, far as, he's just smooth and versatile. He's a real good competitor. I think me, it's same traits. Just different format, different person doing it. I think we do, just my playmaking ability, you put me anywhere and this play to be made, I mean, I can make it.
ERIC EDHOLM: And last question for you here. You've been a diverse guy. You've played a lot of different roles in college. You've lined up inside and outside. You've been a factor on special teams. And you've scored touchdowns in three different ways: receiving, kick return, and punt return. Is there one that feels the sweetest? Is there one that kind of has it sort of a different feel when you get into the end zone versus the other?
JAYLEN WADDLE: I have to say, probably the punt return. The punt return, it just brings a different dynamic to the game, it's so exciting. So I think that's the more especial ones that I can honestly say.
ERIC EDHOLM: Great answer from Jaylen Waddle, and a great chat overall. We wish you the best of luck as you get closer to the 2021 NFL draft.
JAYLEN WADDLE: Yes sir, thank you.
