Ranking the Top Five Games of Jaylen Waddle’s NFL Career Prior to Arriving in Denver
The Denver Broncos won’t be on the clock in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft – and that’s by design. After dealing their first-round pick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, the Broncos made a clear statement: proven production over rookie projection. While sitting out Day 1 isn’t ideal, Denver is betting it has already secured a game-changing talent.
And based on Waddle’s résumé, that’s a bet worth making. Throughout his time with the Dolphins, Waddle consistently proved he could take over games – whether as a complementary weapon or the featured option. To understand exactly what the Broncos are getting, here’s a closer look at the five best performances of his career to date:
5. Week 8, 2023 – New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins
Waddle delivered a highly efficient and timely performance in Miami’s 31-17 win over the Patriots. He finished with seven receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown, averaging a team-high 17.3 yards per catch. Notably, four of Waddle’s receptions went for 15-plus yards, highlighting his ability to generate chunk plays.
His biggest moment came late in the game when he effectively when he effectively put the game away. With less than three minutes remaining, Waddle hauled in a 31-yard touchdown over the middle, where he found himself wide open before sprinting untouched into the end zone. The score extended the Dolphins’ lead to two possessions and eliminated any hope of a New England comeback.
In a game where he outproduced Tyreek Hill in both yardage and efficiency, Waddle stepped up as Miami’s top receiving option. His performance not only helped secure the win but also completed a season sweep of a division rival. It was a clear example of his ability to rise to the moment when given a featured role.
4. Week 12, 2021 – Carolina Panthers at Miami Dolphins
Waddle’s rookie-season breakout against the Carolina Panthers showcased just how dangerous he could be, even early in his career. He totaled nine receptions for 137 yards and a touchdown, playing a central role in the Dolphins’ 33-10 victory. More impressively, he did it against a Panthers defense that entered the game ranked No. 1 in the NFL against the pass.
His impact began in a critical moment, hauling in a 9-yard touchdown on third-and-goal with just over nine minutes remaining in the second quarter. That score gave Miami a 14-7 lead and shifted momentum firmly in the Dolphins’ favor. From there, Waddle continued to exploit the defense with precision and explosiveness.
On Miami’s next drive, he delivered the game’s defining play – a 57-yard catch-and-run over the middle that set up another touchdown and extended the lead to 21-7. The play perfectly illustrated his elite speed and ability after the catch. For a rookie to dominate the league’s top pass defense in that fashion was an early sign that Waddle was destined for stardom.
3. Week 12, 2024 – New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins
In another dominant showing against the Patriots, Waddle produced one of the most complete performances of his career. He recorded eight receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown, averaging an impressive 18 yards per catch. His ability to consistently create explosive plays kept the New England’s defense on its heels all game.
Waddle’s signature moment came late in the third quarter. With under two minutes remaining in the period, he took a short pass and turned it into a 23-yard catch-and-run touchdown, pushing the Dolphins’ lead to 31-0. At that point, the game was effectively over.
He finished the contest with three receptions of 20-plus yards, demonstrating his ability to stretch the field at will. Performances like this show how dangerous Waddle becomes when he finds a rhythm early. Against a familiar opponent, he didn’t just produce – he dominated.
2. Week 15, 2023 – New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
With Tyreek Hill sidelined, Miami needed Waddle to operate as a true No. 1 receiver against a strong New York Jets defense. He answered emphatically. Waddle finished with eight receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown, leading the Dolphins to a commanding 30-0 victory.
His biggest play came midway through the second quarter. With 7:42 remaining in the first half, Waddle torched the Jets’ secondary on a deep route down the left sideline, hauling in a 60-yard touchdown to give Miami a 17-0 lead. From that point forward, the Dolphins never looked back.
Beyond the stat line, this performance was about role versatility. Waddle proved he could carry the passing game when needed, not just complement another star. That ability to seamlessly transition between roles is exactly what makes him such a valuable asset heading into his time in Denver.
1. Week 2, 2022 – Miami Dolphins at Baltimore Ravens
Waddle’s best performance came in one of the most thrilling games of his career – a 42-38 comeback victory over the Baltimore Ravens. He finished with 11 receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns, playing a pivotal role in one of the largest comebacks of the season. It was a performance that showcased every aspect of his skill set.
He made his presence felt early, catching a 59-yard pass while Miami was backed up deep in its own territory, then adding a touchdown with 10:54 remaining in the second quarter to tie the game at 7-7. Despite his efforts, the Dolphins trailed 28-7 at halftime, leaving them with a steep climb in the second half.
Waddle delivered in the biggest moments down the stretch. He hauled in a 33-yard reception late in the third quarter to help spark the comeback, then caught the game-winning touchdown with just 14 seconds remaining in regulation. When the dust settled, Waddle and Tyreek Hill made NFL history as the first pair of teammates to each record at least 10 receptions, 150 yards, and two touchdowns in the same game. More importantly, Waddle proved he could be both an elite “1B” option and a go-to playmaker – exactly the kind of versatility the Broncos are counting on in 2026 when Waddle lines up alongside Courtland Sutton.
