Refreshed just now
rank#12$6M
Backtest: model vs. reality
The model graded Jaylen Waddle at pick #12; he was actually picked #6 by MIA. 5 NFL seasons in, he's carved out a genuine role (grading 9.8 of 20 per season), and the market has paid him — a second deal at $28.3M a year. The 4-tier model sees a strong shot at elite: 56% probability of Pro-Bowl-level career. NFL grades have been modest so far (6% recent-3, 13% peak across 4 seasons). Model predicted $34M/yr; actual $28M (over by $5M).
Overview
Headline grade, verdict, and the one-line scout take
Draftanomics Rank
High conviction#122nd-deal AAV at this slot$6.1M/yrWR·Alabama
We had him No. 12 on draft night, and the league mostly agreed — MIA took him at No. 6. The seasons since are the scoreboard.
Draftanomics's take
Draftanomics had Jaylen Waddle at #12 on draft night — a 1st round grade — and MIA took him at No. 6. The model's case leans on broad top-100 board coverage and scout consensus. Bust risk projects at 2%, below the position median — the model has a tight grade.
Written from the live model's numbers — projected to round 1, and it updates whenever the model does. See methodology for what drives the take.
Scouting report
The written report — drafted from the fact sheet, every number traceable, honest about what we can't see yet
Why this grade
Which signals drove the grade up or down — in plain English
Consensus
The analyst room, accuracy-weighted, plus where Draftanomics disagrees with it
Production4
Measurables, traits, and college play quality
Risk
Bust probability, injury history, character flags, pre-mortem
Team fit
How well this prospect fits each of the 32 team schemes
Will he be there?
Probability he's still on the board at each of your picks
Comps
Historical players this prospect resembles
Film & notes
Clips, scout notes, voice memos, written reports