5 Commanders players in danger of entering draft bust status in 2024
By Dean Jones
Jahan Dotson - Commanders WR
Jahan Dotson's made a solid if not spectacular start to his league journey. One could also say he's underachieved based on his talent and where he was taken in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The wide receiver impressed those in power to get selected at No. 16 overall. Dotson caught the eye as a rookie and many believed he was set to break out in Year 2 of his professional career under offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. This didn't come to fruition en route to 49 receptions from 83 targets for 518 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Dotson struggled to create separation on occasion. Some concentration issues crept into his game. The talent is obvious, so the onus is on Kliff Kingsbury to devise better ways to get him involved.
Confidence remains high in Dotson. Improved schematic concepts and Jayden Daniels under center will help. But this is a crossroads campaign for the former Penn State standout in no uncertain terms.
The incentive is there for Dotson to take major strides next season. He's in a better environment within a system that should suit his strengths. There's also the small matter of his fifth-year option decision due in 2025 to factor into the equation.
Dotson must prove himself worthy of getting another year on his rookie deal and the big pay increase that comes with it. Anything less will see the Commanders go the same route with the wideout as other first-round picks such as Daron Payne and Jamin Davis in recent seasons.
There's a different energy around Dotson this offseason. The player seems highly motivated to finally take the league by storm. If he flatters to deceive once again after promising much, the draft bust status won't be too far behind.
That's a worst-case scenario - one the Commanders hope won't come to fruition. That said, they can only do so much. What comes next is down to Dotson.