The Washington Commanders tonight have selected Jahan Dotson No. 16 overall in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft.
The 5-foot-10, 178-pound wide receiver from Penn State, becomes the first player drafted by the Washington “Commanders”, the franchise having become the “Commanders” on February 2.
My assignment is to analyze this selection and not cheer or needlessly criticize, so here goes.
At only 5-10 and 178 pounds, size should be one’s first concern that comes to mind. He is a bit undersized, and the NFL is a brutal sport for the undersized receiver if he gets caught over the middle with weighty shots.
Yet, it must also be stated early that Dotson is explosive with the ball in his hands. Watch the tape. Against good competition, Dotson makes big plays as both a receiver and a returner. DeAndre Carter departed, signing with the Chargers, so Dotson was selected to help as a returner at least in 2022.
Additionally, it should be noted, that Penn State did not have great quarterback play, thus Dotson is talented and was productive, though they lacked a great passer. He was known to possess great hand-eye coordination, thus he does not drop many passes.
It should not be ignored that Dotson was not on Daniel Jeremiah’s next best available list when Washington was on the clock.
So, it is perfectly reasonable to ask, “Similarly to last year, did Washington reach a bit for Dotson as they clearly did for Jamin Davis in the first round in 2021?
There is no question Dotson is someone the trio of Rivera, Mayhew and Hurney had their eye on because he could have been available a few more picks down the board.
Unlike Davis last year, Dotson will not be asked to play a much different position as Davis was last year, moving from the outside to inside linebacker. Dotson will bring explosiveness to returning and running with the ball after the catch. Though on paper it looks similar, I can’t imagine the results being similar to Davis struggling last year as their first-round pick.
Dotson finished catching the second-most passes in Penn State history and was first-team Big 10 in 2021.
Washington actually owned the No. 11 overall position and with the holes in their roster, and not possessing draft picks in rounds 3 or 5, they wisely traded back with New Orleans five spots, obtaining picks 16, 98 and 120.
Thus, in the first analysis, moments after the trade and selection of Dotson, Washington has obtained an instant playmaker and picked up two more draft choices in the top 120.
Job well, done Ron Rivera, Martin Mayhew and Marty Hurney.