Jahan Dotson Fantasy
One of the most intriguing rookie wide receivers entering the 2022 season is Washington Commanders first-round pick, Jahan Dotson. As a late riser in the draft process, Dotson was somewhat of a surprise pick at 16th overall for the Commanders. With other pressing needs, Washington felt giving their new quarterback Carson Wentz another weapon was the top priority. After paying Terry McLaurin, the Commanders are hoping they have finally solidified the number two receiving option on offense.
First-round draft capital means a lot in terms of opportunity for rookies. Along with draft capital, there are also plenty of available targets. Curtis Samuel, whom the Commanders signed during the 2021 free agency period to a three-year, $34.5 million contract, has struggled immensely with injury and hasn’t been able to stay on the field. Because of that, Washington hasn’t been able to solidify its number two receiver position. Dotson, who has a similar build, is going to compete with Samuel for that role behind McLaurin. Adam Humphries and Ricky Seals-Jones both left in free agency, and Logan Thomas is likely starting the year on the physically unable to perform list (PUP).
Dotson has a shot to immediately impact both fantasy managers and the Commanders in 2022.
Washington Commanders 2021 Targets
College Production
Dotson’s career at Penn State showed yearly positive progression, which is promising and not always the case with receivers. Each season, he added to his totals in receptions, yards and touchdowns even though his games played varied. As a senior at Penn State, Dotson posted his best season playing in 12 games with 91 catches for 1182 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also added in 6 rushes for 18 yards and a touchdown to his totals for 2022. Along with his impressive totals from scrimmage, he’s proven to be an effective punt returner throughout his college career.
NFL Combine & NFL Draft
The Penn State standout is entering the NFL, standing 5’11 and weighing 178 pounds. At the combine, Dotson put up respectable numbers as he ran a 4.43 40-yard dash along with a 36.00” vertical and a 7.28 3-cone.
Leading up to the draft, there were a lot of discussions about which receivers should be taken in the first round. As was the case in 2021, the 2022 wide receiver class offered one of the deepest groups to choose from. Dotson was thought of as a high second-round selection behind the likes of Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jameson Williams, and Treylon Burks. However, when the draft rolled around, Dotson was taken as the 16th overall player before Treylon Burks from Arkansas, who went two picks later to the Tennessee Titans.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Dotson’s main strength is his elite-level hands. He’s shown the ability to catch the ball in traffic despite his small frame due to his spider-tack-like hands. Along with his hands, he’s an excellent route-runner and has the ability to be used all around the field. In an offense that already has McLaurin to draw defenders, Dotson should be able to roam freely. The 16th overall pick also boasts excellent footwork and an elaborate route tree that should make him available to Carson Wentz when he’s looking for that second or third option.
The main weakness for Dotson will always be his smaller frame. Receivers who have a smaller build tend to be limited to slot or specialty roles. Fortunately for Dotson, his strengths allow him to be used all over the field despite his physical attributes.
Something that Dotson will need to prove he can do in the NFL is getting off the line. In college, he struggled at times with larger corners jamming him off the snap. He’ll have to prove he can handle the physicality at the next level if he’s going to stay out of the slot.
2022 Outlook & Fantasy Value
As of August 1st, Dotson’s average draft position (ADP) is at a bargain. Going behind the likes of injured fellow rookie Jameson Williams of the Detroit Lions, who has Jared Goff at the helm and will miss weeks to start the season, and low-upside veterans like Marvin Jones Jr., Robbie Anderson, and Tyler Boyd.
With McLaurin likely to be considered the Alpha of the receiver group, Dotson is primed to collect most of the 136 vacated targets and dominate in short to intermediate area of the field as Wentz’s safety net. However, as Wentz displayed in Indianapolis last year, he isn’t effective at taking the check-down option. Wentz has shown tendencies to push the ball downfield without open receivers, but If he’s truly ready to change and evolve as a quarterback, Dotson has a path to challenge McLaurin for the leader of the target on the Commanders in 2022.
The Commanders are hoping Dotson can be what they paid Curtis Samuel to be. If all things break right for Dotson, he could be the late-round dart throw that elevates your team to a championship.
