In a class full of premier wide receiver talent, Penn State WR Jahan Dotson is one of the names to watch when the 2022 NFL Draft begins — some projections suggest he could be an under-the-radar candidate in the early second round. What landing spots make the most sense for Dotson, and does his scouting profile suggest he could go even higher than expected?
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NFL Draft Projections: Jahan Dotson’s landing spots
Jahan Dotson is the best receiver prospect to come out of Penn State since Chris Godwin or Allen Robinson. From body control to separation and even his ability to extend his catch radius and make jaw-dropping grabs, there is little Dotson can’t do on the football field. Currently the No. 39-ranked player on PFN’s 2022 NFL Draft Consensus Big Board, Dotson is the sixth-ranked receiver, just ahead of Christian Watson of North Dakota State (No. 45 overall).
While he might not tip the scales at 5’10 5/8″ and 181 pounds, Dotson is as explosive as they come. Posting a 4.43 40-yard dash with a 36″ vertical jump and 10’1″ in the broad, Dotson’s measurables stand out. They also backed up what was seen on film, as PFN Draft Ian Cumming points out in his scouting report.
Cummings highlighted Dotson’s elite body control and contortion-like ability in the air. Also noted is his vertical athleticism. Dotson can spring off the ground seemingly effortlessly. When in the air, Dotson uses his long wingspan (for his size) of 74″ and above-average hands (9 1/2″) to pluck the ball out of the air. For those cramming for the draft, watch Dotson against Ohio State and what he does to Shawn Wade. It’s the perfect demonstration of one of the largest catch radii you’ll ever see for a sub-5’11” receiver.
Could we see Dotson crack the first round? I wouldn’t completely rule it out. With that said, which landing spot projections make the most sense for Dotson during the 2022 NFL Draft?
Green Bay Packers
On April 20, PFN’s Lead NFL Reporter Mike Kaye published his mock draft, with Dotson heading to the Packers at pick No. 22. With Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jameson Williams, and Drake London off the board, Dotson could easily be the next receiver drafted, vaulting Treylon Burks (who has slid in rankings this offseason).
I’m on board with Mike on this one. I, too, am a Dotson fan. But more so because I think the fit is phenomenal. There is no replacing Davante Adams. You won’t find him in the draft. Yet, with Dotson, the Packers are giving Aaron Rodgers a sensational route runner who he can quickly develop timing with (and trust).
With reps, Rodgers will be able to trust Dotson is where he’s supposed to be. Whether it is at No. 22 or No. 28, Green Bay must add a receiver to one of the NFL’s weakest positional depth charts. Dotson could be one of the steals of the draft.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints are another team we expect to be active in the receiver market come draft day. The question is, when? I feel Chris Olave makes a ton of sense, but New Orleans has options. With two first-rounders (No. 16 and No. 19) along with pick No. 49 in the second round, they could attack this early or let the draft fall to them.
If you could guarantee Dotson would be available at No. 49, even if Olave were sitting there at No. 16, I would take the value and upside of Dotson every day of the week and twice on Sunday. With Marquez Callaway developing into a perimeter threat, Dotson could be a sensational pairing with Michael Thomas, barring health. Since we don’t know how Thomas will look in 2022 and beyond, Dotson would be a valuable chess piece for the Saints’ offense.
Kansas City Chiefs
On Friday’s episode of PFN Daily with Cody Roark and myself, PFN Chief NFL Analyst Trey Wingo brought out a great point about how the Chiefs truly control the 2022 NFL Draft. It makes a ton of sense, too.
With 12 draft picks, the Chiefs don’t have the roster space to hold onto all of these picks. Add in two picks in both the first (29 and 30), second (50 and 62), third (94 and 103), and fourth round (121 and 135), and the Chiefs could be wheeling and dealing come draft day.
There is no replacing Tyreek Hill. Plain and simple. But what the Chiefs have done is mitigate the loss. They did so by signing JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Along with Mecole Hardman and Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes can still have success, but I don’t believe the Chiefs are done.
Dotson is one of those players in the 2022 NFL Draft that just feel like a Chief. When he attacks the stem, few DBs can mirror him. It’s also a system that moves players around for a more advantageous matchup. This would favor Dotson, as he would be a nightmare against a slot corner caught in rotation pre-snap during adjustments. If this projection is correct, and Dotson goes at either pick No. 29 or No. 30, the Chiefs’ offense might not lose a beat in 2022.
Atlanta Falcons
It is not an exaggeration to say the Atlanta Falcons have one of the worst depth charts in recent memory. At wide receiver, the point is driven home. Current pre-draft projections have Olamide Zaccheaus as the No. 1 option for Marcus Mariota. Behind him is an uninspiring cast of Damiere Byrd, KhaDarel Hodge, Auden Tate, Frank Darby, Chad Hansen, and Austin Trammell. In all reality, Kyle Pitts is the No. 1 target, but I am keeping the focus on the receivers, not the unicorn in the room.
With Calvin Ridley suspended for the 2022 season for betting on games during the 2021 campaign, Atlanta must focus on the position’s future. Dotson will not single-handedly reshape the offense, but it would be a substantial step in the right direction. If on the board at No. 43, Dotson is a home-run prediction for the Falcons in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Houston Texans
Much like the Atlanta Falcons, the Houston Texans need help in all aspects of their roster. They do, however, have the edge at receiver with Brandin Cooks, who is about as QB-proof as it gets. Beyond Cooks, things are a bit more unclear. Nico Collins did have flashes as a rookie, with 446 yards on 33 receptions. However, he is far from a sure bet or a polished receiver.
Houston knows they are not competing right now and are building for the future. Dotson would fit that long-term vision as a potential future top receiver. Dotson would be a Day 1 starter and serve as an upgrade over Chris Conley. At pick No. 37, Texans GM Nick Caserio could get his tenure started with a bang if Dotson is still on the board.
