5 Commanders who cannot afford to get complacent in 2024

Jahan Dotson - Commanders WR

It shouldn't be a stretch for Jahan Dotson to lock up the No. 2 wide receiver spot next to Terry McLaurin. That's the theory, anyway, but he has hardly shredded defenses since being drafted No. 16 overall in 2022.

Dotson's 84 catches and 1,041 receiving yards represent a modest return on the Washington Commanders' first-round investment. There are some intriguing core skills to his game, like nifty moves out of his breaks and an ability to get open between the numbers, but he needs to deliver more on the field.

It's not like there's an elite option alongside McLaurin, but the Commanders do have wideouts familiar to this coaching staff. Olamide Zaccheaus played for Dan Quinn with the Atlanta Falcons, while Damiere Byrd thrived for Kliff Kingsbury with the Arizona Cardinals.

Neither Zaccheaus nor Byrd is likely to crack the starting lineup, but there are other potential playmakers in the rotation. Jamison Crowder can thrive from the slot, while Dyami Brown has legitimate field-stretching speed.

Brown and Crowder can be factors, but Dotson's greater competition will likely come from Luke McCaffrey. The third-round pick has a notable NFL lineage as the younger brother of San Francisco 49ers' All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey, as well as the son of three-time Super Bowl-winning receiver Ed McCaffrey.

McCaffrey can be expected to make the tough catches, something he did for fun during his collegiate days, according to SCOUTD.

If McCaffrey can make an early impression this offseason, he'll play his way into more reps within Kingsbury's offense. The rookie's ascension isn't the only factor Dotson needs to worry about.

Dotson also needs to improve his hands after dropping 11 passes in two years. Getting his hands on the ball more often is key, but only if the wideout improves on the modest 2.3 yards after the catch per reception he averaged last season.