Commanders WR Jahan Dotson believes this is his 'breakout year'
Commanders receiver Jahan Dotson might not be the first name mentioned when talking about second-year players poised for a big season. With guys like Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave welcoming in new quarterbacks, as well as buzz surrounding George Pickens and Christian Watson, Dotson believes he has flown somewhat under the radar.
The receiver joined the 2nd Wind podcast recently where he explained that he feels he is being overlooked. Dotson then vowed to make people take notice, declaring he will have his “breakout year” in 2023.
“This year I feel like I’ve gotta come crazy,” he said. “Honestly, I feel like it’s my breakout year. This is what I’ve been working hard for. I’ve gotta make ’em feel me.”
After the Commanders drafted him No. 16 overall, Dotson started off last season looking like one of the best receivers in the rookie class. He totaled four touchdowns over his first four games before unfortunately suffering a hamstring injury that caused him to miss the next five weeks.
Dotson returned after that, but it still took him a few more weeks to get back up to speed. By Week 15, he had his best game of the season to finish with four catches for 105 yards and a touchdown against the Giants.
Dotson ultimately tied with Watson to lead all rookie receivers with seven touchdowns despite playing two less games than Green Bay’s rookie. He admitted that he had “a little bit of doubt,” heading into last season, but after proving to himself what he can do, he’s entering this year with a more confident outlook.
“Going into my first year, I’m like, ‘dang, I’m going into the league. It’s different. These guys are different,'” Dotson explained. “You have a little bit of doubt. Then I remember, ‘I worked too hard for this. I’m here for a reason.’ The I started to do it. That’s what made me really believe I could do this. I’m getting confidence in myself. So going into my second year, I know I can do this. I know I can succeed at the highest level of playing football. My hard work can attest to that. I can’t wait for it.”
Dotson will also have a new starting quarterback this season, as the Commanders are ready to roll with last year’s fifth-round pick Sam Howell. He already has a Pro Bowl receiver to throw to in Terry McLaurin, and if Dotson can make good on his goals this year, they could form a solid tandem in Washington.
The Commanders begin training camp July 27 before opening up preseason play on Aug. 11 against the Browns.