Terry McLaurin made his first Pro Bowl last season after going over 1,000 yards for the third consecutive season. McLaurin has finally begun to earn the respect he deserves, even if some do not consider him among the NFL’s top 10 wide receivers.
The Washington Commanders knew ahead of the 2022 season they needed to add a legit playmaker opposite of McLaurin, leading them to select former Penn State star Jahan Dotson at No. 16 overall in the 2022 NFL draft.
Dotson’s numbers weren’t eye-popping as a rookie, but he still led the Commanders with seven touchdown receptions. In his first four NFL games, Dotson caught four touchdowns, including two in the season-opening win over Jacksonville. Overall, he’d finish with 35 receptions for 523 yards. When you consider he missed five games with a hamstring injury and Washington’s quarterback issues, those numbers don’t look too bad.
As we get closer to training camp, everyone is making predictions about the 2023 NFL season. One popular prediction is naming a breakout player for every team. We made our choice clear, naming Dotson as Washington’s breakout player for 2023.
In a recent appearance on the “2nd Wind” podcast, Dotson made it clear people are paying enough attention to him.
“That’s why last year, when I felt like they passed up on me in the draft, all those teams, I had to make them feel me,” Dotson said. “That’s why I came out first game two touchdowns, game-winner. Four touchdowns first four games. I felt like I had to make them respect me. I felt like I wasn’t getting the respect that I needed. I had to make them respect me.”
He has a bold prediction for 2023.
“Honestly, I feel like this is my breakout year,” Dotson said. “It’s what I’ve been working hard for, and I’ve got to make them feel me.”
We believe in you, Jahan.
Check this out, courtesy of Fantasy Footballers:
Washington Commanders WR #1? In the final 5 weeks of the season, Jahan Dotson was on pace for 120 targets, 70+ receptions, and 10 touchdowns. pic.twitter.com/qrvFJdApBD
— Fantasy Footballers (@TheFFBallers) June 29, 2023
In the season finale against Dallas, Dotson caught three of Sam Howell’s 11 completions for 72 yards, including this beauty:
So smooth from Jahan Dotson. pic.twitter.com/nfk53MKxWl
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) January 8, 2023
There are plenty of reasons to be excited about Dotson in 2023. If he can remain healthy, new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy will find ways to get him the football.