ASHBURN (Va.) — It was an easy decision: A young Jahan Dotson He enjoyed catching the ball more than pushups. His cousin would toss Dotson balls at him in a park, forcing him into diving catches. One dropped ball was equal to 10 pushups.
Dotson, a first round pick by the NFL, said that “I got tired” of all that. Washington Commanders In the 2022 NFL Draft. “So, catching a ball is something I will do.”
Even if that means hauling in a ball like a rebound in basketball or reaching high with two hands to grab one, or even extending to the side for a throw. All of these traits were demonstrated by the rookie receiver in training camp and throughout his college career at Penn State.
Dotson was not impressed by this aspect of Dotson’s college achievements. Dotson was loved by the Commanders for his mature approach and smart route running, but his Penn State catches showed that he is also a great catcher. He was taller than his 5-foot-11 listed height.
Dotson stated, “Not to sound arrogant, but I do it so frequently and I practice it all the time because it never knows when it will come up.”
The New Orleans Saints Washington traded up to select receiver Chris Olave at No. 11 overall, with Dotson at No. 16 was the fifth wideout selected in the first round. Although he is the most diminutive of the six receivers, his hands (9.5 inches) are larger than the two above him. His 36-inch vertical leap was only matched by Garrett Wilson (No. 10, New York Jets) among first-round receivers at the scouting combine — measurements that help explain why Dotson plays bigger than his size.
Five of his Penn State plays help to explain why Commanders are so excited about him.
Highlights
September 18 vs. Auburn. First-and-10 from Penn State 23 Dotson ran a deep crosser 20 yards downfield, keeping his alignment within the numbers to his right. An eight-yard safety was waiting to intercept a pass that seemed too high. Dotson, however, jumped high to catch the interception from a pass that appeared too high.
Dotson stated, “The ball was a bit too high for my head so I had to do an acrobatic catch-and-pluck.” “Interceptions can be hard to find, so knowing that I’m moving the sticks and taking away the defense is cool is definitely cool.
Said Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz: “He is as natural as any person I’ve ever seen catch the football.”
0:32
Jahan Dotson makes a catch for an 8-yard touchdown
Oct. 2 vs. Indiana. Dotson positioned himself on the numbers and offered a crossing route. However, Dotson was unable to reach the end zone. Another high pass led to a twisting catch and touchdown.
Dotson stated, “It’s not my attention to detail or my focus.” “When the ball is up, I am completely focused on it and everything else. I feel like I can get down with those plays because I have tunnel vision. I love to catch the ball. I always have a football on me. I use the Jugs machine almost every day.
Dotson has to prove himself in NFL. Washington thought he was the most ready player in the draft. However, some wondered if the Commanders had picked him too high. Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN had Dotson ranked as number one. No. 22 overall prospect Scout’s Inc. ranked him No. 25).
In practice, however, he has shown that his hard work is paying off.
“He has hands like [former Indianapolis Colts receiver] Santana Moss, a former NFL receiver who analyzes the Commanders’ website, said that Reggie Wayne. “Reggie would catch an BB in the darkness, it was that easy. Jahan sees it that way. His work is extremely polished. … That is due to his catch radius, having mitts. His hands look like a suction cups. Carson is out there throwing the ball, but it’s hard to hear. [Dotson’s] mitts.”
0:23
Sean Clifford passes the ball downfield to Jahan Dotson, who outjumps three Illinois defenders to take it in.
October 23 vs. Illinois. First-and-10 from Penn State 22 Three defenders met Dotson on a pass down his right side. Dotson grabbed the ball and jumped when one reached for it. Dotson looked at Jartavius Martin as they landed and he shook his head.
Dotson replied, “He was like, I thought I had that one”
Is he aware of how frustrating this situation can be for a defender
He stated, “I don’t care if I’m honest.”
Dotson caught the 40-yard contested pass by Wentz in Washington’s initial week of training camp. It was a great catch by fellow receivers. Terry McLaurinDotson walked the same route as Wentz, which was a nice thing for him. Wentz was able to hit Wentz on the shoulder. Dotson didn’t raise his arms at the end of the match, which prevented the defender reacting quickly enough.
McLaurin explained that she was still working on the skill. “You must use subtleties like that to keep it a secret.” [defenders] From getting their hands on the ball. It was great to see a young boy get involved in the ball game.
0:26
Jahan Dotson makes an impressive catch and holds himself in-bounds for long enough to score Penn State a touchdown.
Nov. 27 vs. Michigan State. First-and-10 from the Spartans’ 27: Dotson raced down the right sideline of the field with snow covering it, making a leaping catch one foot from the boundary. Dotson catches the ball at the 3-yard line. He starts to fall outbounds but he manages to stretch the ball over the pylon.
Dotson stated, “That was one of the most crazy weather games I’ve ever played in.” It’s difficult to keep your feet on the ground, your hands are frozen and it’s difficult to catch the ball. These are distractions, but you have to focus on the main point.
Dotson believes that the most important thing is to have a plan and be specific. This is why veterans Commanders cornerback Kendall Fuller “Professional since Day 1”: He was his name.
Dotson met Fuller in spring on consecutive days, against Fuller’s coverage and out of the exact same formation. On the first day, he beat Fuller to the outside. Fuller was expecting another outside cut on the second day. Dotson saw it coming and ran inside to make a wide grab.
Fuller said, “To get the exact same look and have a counteroff to it, that is big.” “That’s an excellent vet move.”
1:20
Jahan Dotson makes a spectacular one-handed catch, and again does magic on the next play for Penn State touchdown.
October 31, 2020 at first-and-10, Ohio State 20 yd line Dotson was clogged at the line but the pass was lofted to Dotson at the 10-yard mark. As the defensive back Shaun WadeDotson leaned backward and reached high to grab the ball. He never fell as he ran into goal.
Dotson explained, “The play prior, I had an go route, and made a pretty cool catch for around 40 yards,” Dotson added. “I was exhausted and trying to get out the game to get water. But we were going to hurry-up. The DB snared me on the sideline and I was unable to release. I fought back and gave my quarterback a chance.”
Dotson was able to train with NFL receivers during the offseason. Chris Godwin Jarvis LandryHe and a close friend KJ Hamler. He also learned from a former teammate, and tight end. Pat FreiermuthThe second round pick was, Pittsburgh Steelers In 2021.
Dotson said that Pat does an excellent job of boxing out people and playing big. “It’s amazing to see him maneuver and attack the ball in the air every day. We both feel the same way when it’s in the air. It’s often called 50-50 balls but it’s really 100 to one.
Dotson is well-known by those who are familiar with him.
Taylor Stubblefield of Penn State, a former college wideout said, “In that 2020season, he had some drops, whether it was camp or whatever.” “He just continued to improve until he was a ‘wow factor. “Oh, he caught it.” This is his competitiveness.
Drew Terrell, Washington receivers coach, pulled Washington aside in May’s rookie minicamp. He told him he needed faster.
“He didn’t seem like he was running or trying to run, but he actually is. Terrell said that he’s so smooth. Terrell said, “He’s not someone you need to game plan for — how are we going to get him the ball?” He is able to produce naturally. He did that on his college tape.