2021 NFL Mock Draft: Mac Jones explodes into top 5 in final edition
![MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Mac Jones #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in action during the third quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Mac Jones #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in action during the third quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0f40c69ebc923a148254e332352cc6b4f0ccaa8237fc30559f40e152c85058a9.jpg)
Pick Analysis. WR. Jaylen Waddle. 32. Scouting Report. Alabama. 16. player
The Cardinals have one of the most intriguing receiving corps in the NFL with DeAndre Hopkins as the clear No. 1 target and Christian Kirk as a budding star. However, adding AJ Green to the mix this offseason could pay off in a big way for a young quarterback like Kyle Murray.
But after those three, it’s slim pickens.
If the Cardinals’ offense wants to keep improving, it’ll need to add another young receiver with star potential to complement Hopkins, Kirk, and Green and that’s exactly what Jaylen Waddle is.
Waddle never truly had a monster season with the Tide, but he did break out as a freshman in 2018 with 848 yards and seven touchdowns on 45 receptions before taking a slight step back statistically in 2019 and 2020 with just over 1,100 combined yards and 10 total touchdowns. He missed some time with an injury in 2020 and was on track to have his best season while averaging a whopping 21.1 yards per reception.
This is the deep threat that Murray needs. His blazing speed and hands of glue will make him a steal at No. 16 overall.