Commanders WRs coach gives Jahan Dotson best possible compliment

The Washington Commanders caught a lot of criticism after they traded down in the first round of this year’s draft. With Chris Olave, Jameson Williams and Kyle Hamilton all available at pick No. 11 overall, the front office struck a deal with the Saints to move back to No. 16 overall and acquire more picks in the process.

When the Saints drafted Chris Olave, who was linked to Washington more so than any other prospect during the pre-draft process, with the acquired pick, the tension and nervousness amongst fans was tangible.

Fast forward to the end of OTAs and minicamp, however, and Jahan Dotson has garnered more buzz than most first-round receivers. Regarded as a late-first or early-second-round prospect, the Penn State product has done everything possible to suggest draft experts should’ve given him a higher grade.

By all accounts, Dotson was Washington’s best offensive performer during spring practices. There’s a case to be made he was the team’s best player on either side of the ball, which is typically unheard of for a first-year player.

Just how impressive is Dotson? Well, Commanders receivers coach Drew Terrell couldn’t find a single poor rep from the rookie’s time in Happy Valley.

Commanders WRs coach Drew Terrell struggled finding a negative play from Jahan Dotson’s Penn State film.

"“I was going back through his tape to try and find negative plays that I could press him on,” Terrell said after minicamp, as transcribed by Pete Hailey of NBC Sports Washington. “And I was watching the tape and I was like, ‘Nah, that play’s not that bad.’ ‘Nah, that play’s pretty good.’ So I didn’t have that much negative to go off of.”"

Is it possible to give a player a bigger compliment? Slowly but surely it’s becoming evident why Washington took Dotson in the first half of Round 1. Regarded as a late-first to early-second round prospect, the Commanders surprised a lot of scouts by drafting Dotson as early as they did, though it’s fair to assume they weren’t the only team who had a high first-round grade on the former Nittany Lion.

After showing out during spring practices, Terrell had more positive things to say about Dotson.

"“He’s a smooth cat,” Terrell said. “He’s what we expected him to be thus far in terms of his being a route runner, his ball skills, his demeanor, not flinching from the moment and being able to come out here and gain confidence every day and execute every day.”"

Of course, the more offseason praise Dotson receives, the more pressure he’ll face to perform as a rookie. Given that he played the part of a seasoned pro at OTAs and minicamp, though, he’ll likely flourish off that pressure. With sticky hands, show-stopping route-running ability and a demeanor that’s indicative of a seven-year veteran, Dotson is poised to be an instant success for the Commanders.

Consider yourself warned, NFL.