With the 16th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders selected Penn State WR Jahan Dotson. What will Dotson’s rookie contract look like, and where does he project into the Commanders’ current depth chart?
Jahan Dotson drafted 16th overall by the Washington Commanders
Dotson becomes the fourth wide receiver taken in the 2022 NFL Draft. After trading back, the Commanders get QB Carson Wentz another weapon for this offense.
Dotson’s projected rookie contract
Because Dotson was the 16th overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, this is what his projected rookie contract should look like. Contract numbers are from Over the Cap.
- Total Value: $17.0 million
- Signing Bonus: $9.6 million
- 2022 Base Salary: $705,000
- 2022 Cap Number: $3.1 million
Dotson’s strengths and areas to improve
Here is a snapshot of what the Commanders will be getting with the selection of Dotson. For further information, check out Dotson’s full scouting report.
Strengths
- Terrific route runner who is smooth releasing off the line of scrimmage and quick in his all-around game
- Comes back to the ball out of breaks, quickly turns upfield after the catch, and displays a burst of speed
- Creative when the ball is in his hands as a receiver and as a punt returner and follows blocks everywhere on the field
Areas for improvement
- Larger defenders can outmuscle him
- Doesn’t always show elite stop-and-start ability out of his route breaks
- Sometimes rounds his breaks and drifts into the middle of the field
How does Dotson project in the Commanders’ depth chart?
Dotson in the top half of the first round was a bit surprising to see. However, with how crazy the wide receiver market has gotten, it’s easy to see why so many receivers are flying off the board.
Dotson fits well alongside Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel. Despite his smaller frame, he can beat press and play on the outside or slide inside and play in the slot. He was in an underwhelming situation at Penn State with temperamental QB play, and he consistently produced.
When do the Commanders pick next in the 2022 NFL Draft?
As of the time they drafted Dotson, the Commanders have these remaining picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.
- Round 2 (Pick 47 from Colts)
- Round 3 (Pick 98* from Saints)
- Round 4 (Pick 113)
- Round 4 (Pick 120 from Saints)
- Round 6 (Pick 189)
- Round 7 (Pick 230)
- Round 7 (Pick 239)
*Compensatory pick
For the full results and upcoming draft order, check out our pick-by-pick tracker for the 2022 NFL Draft.