How much better could Commanders WR Jahan Dotson become in 2023?

How much better could Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson get in 2023 after turning heads throughout the offseason?

When the Washington Commanders selected Jahan Dotson at No. 16 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, some thought it was a head-scratching move. There were so many other wide receivers to choose from, but when Ron Rivera traded back to acquire additional capital, questions immediately surfaced surrounding the decision.

Dotson wasn't on too many teams' first-round radars. With a stacked wide receiver class, the small yet speedy prospect from Penn State was something of an afterthought despite his undoubted potential.

The Commanders knew at the time that they needed to get Terry McLaurin a running mate. Someone who is versatile and boasts the same ability to go inside and outside along with playing the slot.

His skill set compliments McLaurin's to a tee. This would move Curtis Samuel into a more dynamic role across various pre-snap alingnments.

Many raved about Dotson's best attributes being his hands - he rarely drops the ball. The player is also quick enough to race downfield. He reminds me of another Washington great receiver Santana Moss and although not at this level yet, there are many similarities between the two.

Jahan Dotson has displayed star qualities with the Commanders

In Dotson's first year with the Commanders, you could see instantly that he was going to be special. Playing with different quarterbacks didn't stop this young man from displaying his exceptional ability to make big catches consistently.

He led the team in touchdowns with seven as a result of his efforts. That was after missing five games due to hamstring issues. Dotson's knack for creating yards after the catch with his speed to go deep was especially encouraging.

Not only does it make Dotson dangerous to keep track of, but he's also very shifty. His 35 catches last season could have been even higher if he didn't miss those few contests - something that could have edged him closer to NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Dotson has the scope to reach higher heights than ever before in 2023. The addition of new Commanders' offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy brings a style of offense from the Kansas City Chiefs that looks tailor-made for the pass-catcher.

This offense will be more explosive than anything Dotson learned under Scott Turner. The way they work hard in practice and how it translates into the preseason games has also been telling up to now.

During the Commanders' first warmup game of 2023, Dotson had two receptions receptions for 30 receiving yards and a touchdown. Against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night, the former first-rounder brought in five catches for 76 yards.

Dotson is a No. 1 receiver, there is no dispute to say otherwise. Alongside McLaurin, the Commanders cannot go wrong with either.

It's highly likely that the wideout is going to get an upturn in targets because McLaurin draws so much attention. Defenses will have to pick their poison when comes to covering either receiver.

I believe Dotson will eclipse 1,000 receiving yards - as will McLaurin - and push his touchdown number to 10 as well. This young man is quickly coming into his own right in front of our eyes and the Commanders are going to benefit greatly moving forward.