4 risky experiments the Commanders could cut short in 2024

Jahan Dotson's targets

Jahan Dotson remains a potential breakout candidate for the Washington Commanders in 2024. Many analysts thought this would come to fruition during the previous campaign after Eric Bieniemy opted to leave the Kansas City Chiefs and become the team's new offensive coordinator. Despite being targeted heavily within a pass-happy system, it never materialized.

The former first-round selection has 1,041 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in two seasons. Dotson boasts the athletic intangibles needed to be more effective, but creating separation effectively and limiting concentration errors is the next big challenge for the wideout entering Year 3 of his professional career.

Dotson looks like the No. 2 option behind Terry McLaurin unless Luke McCaffrey surges forward sooner than anticipated. This should guarantee targets are plentiful once again within Kliff Kingsbury's offensive scheme. The wideout also has Jayden Daniels under center, so developing sufficient chemistry with the rookie quarterback throughout the summer is paramount.

If Kingsbury can find ways to scheme Dotson open frequently and the player demonstrates growth in areas that have been problematic up to now, it's hard to envisage a scenario where he doesn't make strides. Something that could leave the Commanders with no option other than to trigger his fifth-year option along the way.

There is a flip side to this coin. One that might have grave implications for Dotson's influence and future.

If Dotson struggles to maximize targets when they arrive, suffers more problems with drops, and lacks the elusiveness needed to become an offensive focal point, the Commanders have a problem. This could lead the offensive staff to allocate distribution away from the pass-catcher, although depth at the receiver spot suggests the Penn State product will still be involved in some capacity.

It's a hugely important season upcoming for Dotson. He's got the talent, but putting it all together in pursuit of becoming a breakout star and potential cornerstone piece moving forward is critical. Especially considering Adam Peters is harboring no sentiment toward his roster-building ethos.