Jahan Dotston relishing opportunity to learn from college rival Terry McLaurin

The Washington Commanders helped the NFL Draft make history on Thursday night as their selection of Jahan Dotson at No. 16 overall was one of six picks inside the top 20 used on a receiver, which broke a first-round record.

Previously holders of the No. 11 pick, the Commanders bypassed several touted prospects to trade back with the Saints, including Chris Olave, who went 11th, Jameson Williams, who went 12th and Kyle Hamilton, who went 14th.

Would the Commanders have been better off staying put and drafting one of those studs? The question will loom in Ashburn for years to come.

For now, though, the answer is two-pronged: Washington improved its middling receiving corps and got their guy in the process. While the pick may be viewed as a reach, Dotson was given a first-round grade by Ron Rivera and Co.

Long story short, Dotson won’t have much trouble endearing himself to the Commanders fan base. In speaking with the local media following the pick, Dotson called playing for Washington a “dream com true.”

Additionally, the former Penn State wide receiver shared his excitement to play alongside Terry McLaurin, who he had high praise for.

Commanders draftee Jahan Dotson can’t wait to learn from former college rival Terry McLaurin.

Here’s Dotson’s full quote on McLaurin.

"I know a little bit about (Terry) McLaurin. Played him in college at Ohio State. One of the most underrated wide receivers in the league in my opinion.A guy that just produces every single year. You don’t hear much about him. He just comes about his work every single day. I really can’t wait to get to work with that guy and just learn from him. I feel like we complement each other very well. He’s someone who can play inside and outside and has a lot of versatility in his game."

Yeah, Dotson will fit just fine in Washington, as that quote encapsulates everything Commanders fans love about McLaurin. He hardly gets any love from the national media, but still produces and puts his head down and grinds every day.

With already two Ohio State receivers on the roster in McLaurin and Curtis Samuel, the Commanders were heavily linked with Buckeyes standouts Chris Olave and Garret Wilson throughout the pre-draft process.

Little did fans, and probably Washington’s front office to an extent, know that they’d end up with a receiver from a different Big Ten school. Despite not having Buckeye roots, Dotson hopes to make an immediate impact as a rookie.

From college rivals to NFL teammates, McLaurin and Dotson will hope to spark a Commanders WR cops that’s lacked consistency for multiple years running. With a healthy Samuel, you’re looking at one of the most dynamic units in the league.

First-round receivers have an inconsistent hit rate, but with Dotson bringing a respected reputation to Ashburn and soaking up knowledge from McLaurin every day at practice, it’s hard not to get excited about the pick.