Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson. Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders WR Jahan Dotson not content flying under the radar

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 6/28/23

Although he had a solid rookie season, Washington Commanders receiver Jahan Dotson still feels a bit disrespected.

During a recent appearance on the “2nd Wind” podcast, the former No. 16 overall pick expressed his frustration about not being mentioned by those in the national media who have labeled fellow second-year WRs like Treylon Burks and George Pickens as breakout candidates in 2023.

“You always see these sports analysts talking about this guy is bound for a breakout season, and this guy's going to do this, and this guy's going to do that," Dotson said. "I'm never mentioned, and I keep that in the back of my head. That's what I work for. They don't say my name, and that's what I want. I take it personal."

Jahan Dotson is confident that he and Terry McLaurin are the best WR duo in the NFL #HTTC pic.twitter.com/vXSNuF04Rb
— 2nd Wind Podcast (@2ndWindPod) June 28, 2023

The 23-year-old Dotson was Washington’s third-most targeted receiver last season (61), leading the team in touchdowns (seven) while ranking third on the team in yards (523) and fifth in receptions (35).

Among rookies, Dotson ranked first in touchdowns and yards per reception (14.9), and he ranked in the top 10 in receptions, yards and targets. He accomplished that despite missing five games with injury. Had he played a full season, Dotson believes he would have had somewhere around 12 or more touchdowns — a realistic expectation for 2023, if you ask him.

"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."

Burks and Pickens, the respective No. 18 and 52 overall picks last year, are the sexy picks among national experts of second-year wideouts expected to break out in 2023, but Dotson believes he’s at least on or above their level.

The Penn State alum admitted he played with a chip on his shoulder as rookie after being the fifth receiver drafted in the first round. That chip has only grown in the 14 months since.

"Last year, when I felt like they passed up on me in the draft — all those teams — I had to make them feel me," he said. "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."

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