Kendall Fuller compares Jahan Dotson’s work ethic to Commanders legend

We like to be objective in covering the Washington Commanders.

When a coach, player, executive or owner gives us a reason to praise them, praising will commence. When a coach, player, executive or owner gives us a reason to be critical, we won’t hesitate. That’s the way it should be.

When it comes to rookie receiver Jahan Dotson, it might seem like we’re trying to promote the Commanders’ first-round pick. While that’s (partially) true, the No. 16 overall selection hasn’t given fans any reason to be critical of him. Even fault-finders would struggle finding something to hold against Dotson.

From standing out in OTAs, minicamp on now training camp, and showing maturity and professionalism indicative of a veteran, it looks as though Washington got a gem in the former Penn State star. Yes, he’s yet to play an NFL game, but not every first-round pick checks every box within months of being drafted.

It was only a matter of time, but Dotson’s teammates are starting to take notice of his potential and work ethic. After Wednesday’s practice, cornerback Kendall Fuller likened Dotson’s composure to that of recently-retired legend Ryan Kerrigan.

Kendall Fuller sees a lot of Ryan Kerrigan when it comes to Commanders rookie Jahan Dotson’s work ethic.

Can you heap more praise on a rookie than likening their professionalism to a franchise legend like Kerrigan? The four-time Pro Bowler called it a career last week and retired as Washington’s all-time sack leader. While Dotson is more soft-spoken than Kerrigan, who led both vocally and by example, the former Nittany Lion likes to let his play do the talking … and he’s done exactly that since the 2022 draft.

We don’t want everyone thinking Dotson will go on to become the greatest wide receiver in Commanders’ history, but it bodes extremely well for Dotson’s career — both short- and long-term —  that Fuller, the team’s undisputed best performer at camp so far, sees a ton of Kerrigan in the rookie’s demeanor.

Of course, these are the same things Washington’s veterans, coaches and reporters said about Terry McLaurin after he was drafted in 2019. Soft-spoken and humbled like McLaurin, Dotson has made a strong impression on Ron Rivera, too.

When asked about Dotson’s ability to play bigger than his size, Rivera likened the budding wideout to former five-time Pro Bowler Steve Smith, who played for Rivera in Carolina for three seasons spanning 2011-13.

https://twitter.com/NBCSCommanders/status/1554848808978219011

See, it’s just not us!

In all seriousness, Dotson hasn’t put a foot wrong with the Commanders. That’s not to say he won’t hit a few bumps in the road on the field here and there, but his mental make-up will allow him to bounce back from whatever adversity comes his way over the course of his career.