When the Atlanta Falcons selected USC wide receiver Drake London at No. 8 overall, the Washington Commanders’ top wide receiver target was off the board. Washington, picking at No. 11, would still have an opportunity to select one of the top wide receivers on the board.
Garrett Wilson went No. 10 to the New York Jets, leaving the Commanders to choose between Chris Olave and Jameson Williams. Instead of selecting him, Washington agreed to a trade with the New Orleans and moved back five spots, where it eventually selected Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson.
After being drafted by Washington, Dotson spoke to the local media and admitted he didn’t have a lot of interaction with the Commanders before the draft.
“I had one meeting with Coach Terrell, the receivers coach, and that was pretty much about it,” Dotson said. “I hadn’t heard anything from Washington, so it was kind of a surprise to me as well as it was to you guys.”
Of course, some took that comment as Washington reached for Dotson and panicked once the perceived top four wide receivers were off the board.
Not at all. The Commanders were high on Dotson throughout the process and were clearly comfortable selecting him, knowing that a move back would likely mean Olave and Williams were gone.
Head coach Ron Rivera offered high praise for Dotson, comparing him to DeSean Jackson and Steve Smith.
So, is Dotson an inside or outside receiver?
“Yeah, I think I can do both to be honest with you,” Dotson answered. “That’s one thing that I feel like is one of my biggest traits in my game is my versatility. To be able to play anywhere, be able to play inside, play outside. So I’m excited for the opportunity. Can’t wait to see what (offensive coordinator) Coach Turner has in store.”
Dotson can also return punts for Washington.