Jahan Dotson listed as breakout candidate by CBS Sports
Washington Commanders second-year wideout Jahan Dotson has been getting a lot of play this offseason as a possible breakout candidate in 2023.
The former Penn State star and 2022 first-round pick said it himself in June, feeling as if he’s been overshadowed by other young receivers such as the New York Jets’ Garrett Wilson and the New Orleans Saints’ Chris Olave.
“This year I feel like I’ve gotta come crazy,” Dotson 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.”
Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports believes Dotson will be a household name after this season, listing him as one of his top breakout candidates for 2023.
“Terry McLaurin is the downfield leader of Washington’s WR corps, but there might not be a bigger developing bond between QB and pass catcher than that of Dotson with new Commanders starter Sam Howell,” Benjamin wrote. “The second-year Penn State product was hyping up Howell as Washington’s new QB1 by early summer, and the two can’t stop connecting whenever they take a practice or preseason field together. After an explosive 12-game flash as a rookie, Dotson could quickly become the go-to outlet in D.C.”
Jahan Dotson aiming to build off solid rookie season
In 12 games (10 starts) during his rookie season, Dotson hauled in 35 receptions for 523 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 14.9 yards per catch. He totaled four touchdowns over his first four games before 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, finishing with four catches for 105 yards and a touchdown against the New York Giants.
Dotson ultimately tied with Christian Watson to lead all rookie receivers with seven touchdowns despite playing two less games than the Green Bay Packers rookie.
Needless to say, Howell is excited to get a full season of work in with Dotson.
“Jahan is so special,” Howell said last month. “He’s so polished… I was a huge fan of his when he was in college, and I’m so excited to play with him.”