Jahan Dotson NFL Draft 2022
The 2022 wide receiver class is generating a lot of buzz as perhaps the strongest positional group entering the draft. One of the notable names in this class is Penn State product, Jahan Dotson. Dotson in his senior season totaled 91 receptions for 1182 yards and 12 scores, adding another 18 yards and a score on the ground. He finished his Penn State career second in school history in both career (183) and single-season (91 in 2021) receptions, fourth in career receiving yards (2,757), second in single-season receiving yards (1,182 in 2021), and second in both career (25) and single-season (12 in 2021) touchdowns.
NFL COMBINE RECAP/RESULTS
Entering the combine, Dotson fit the profile of a burner projected to go late in the first round with the possibility of slipping into the second round due to strong depth at the position. His official metrics are as follows:
- HEIGHT: 5’10 5/8″
- WEIGHT: 178
- HAND: 9 1/2″
- ARM: 30 3/4″
- WINGSPAN: 6’2″
- 40-YARD DASH: 4.43
- 3-CONE: 7.28
- SHUTTLE: DNP
- VERTICAL: 36″
- BROAD: 10’1″
Dotson’s measurements and drill times were strong but did not necessarily jump off the page. That’s not terribly surprising as his value is derived more from his ball skills and route running. In a WR class with remarkable speed as a whole, seeing 8 different players running sub-4.4 times, Dotson went a bit under the radar. However, he was expected to break 4.4 himself and simply got slow breaks on both of his attempts. Dotson’s 3-Cone time was exactly the same as Arkansas standout Treylon Burks, who is nearly 50 pounds heavier. His strongest combine metric relative to the wide receiver position was his vertical, matching Ohio State WR Garrett Wilson for 11th best.
STRENGTHS
Dotson’s game speed is on par with the other burners in the class. His combination of that speed with his route running is not far off from Ohio State WR Chris Olave, who is expected to come off the board a bit earlier. Dotson adds value as a strong punt returner and isn’t afraid to catch passes in traffic. He is extremely versatile, able to line up outside or inside and be a field stretcher or a YAC producer.
Perhaps the most unique trait of Dotson’s that can get an NFL team to spend a first-round pick on him is his ability to be a three-level receiver. A coaching staff prioritizing an extensive playbook with comprehensive route trees can maximize Dotson’s strengths as an immediate starter.
WEAKNESSES
In a word, size. Both Dotson’s height and overall build skew to the smaller side. This makes him more of a scheme fit than a no-brainer selection for any team in need of a weapon through the air. He has performed well in press coverage at the collegiate level, but there will undoubtedly be some concerns about whether he can do the same against NFL corners.
While Dotson can produce on short, medium, and deep routes, his biggest area of development may be to polish his short game. He will need to improve in and out of breaks closer to the line of scrimmage to grow into a complete receiver.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON
A common perception of a player like Dotson draws parallels to someone like Tyler Lockett, as referenced by the Bleacher Report scouting department. However, another comp I am seeing discussed which I believe is more accurate is Diontae Johnson. The combination of burst, crisp route running, and catching errant throws in traffic makes him a threat for both air yards and YAC. If he can improve on his short-range separation, I can see him mirroring Johnson’s reliability as a chain mover on 3rd downs. I don’t expect him to beat a lot of double teams or jams from elite corners, but he isn’t a one-trick field stretcher either.
BEST FIT
Dotson has elite speed with strong route running and a wide catch radius, but he is undersized. This limits the number of teams who would spend a first-round pick on him because his skill set does not easily translate into an alpha wide receiver. The best fit for him would be somewhere where he can immediately step in as a starter but not be the number one option. I would also expect him to land in a spot that has a big arm behind center to utilize his speed and help manufacture separation both for himself and his teammates. Considering Dotson’s limitations likely push him out of the first half of the first round, I expect him to land with a contending team late in the first round. Kansas City, Buffalo, Tennessee, and Green Bay fit the bill, with my prediction that he gets the call from the Packers to give recently-retained Aaron Rodgers a shiny (and cheap) new toy to help fill the massive void left by Davante Adams.
