The Senior Bowl wrapped up a big week for NFL draft prospects down in Alabama on Saturday, including four Penn State players who participated in the game. Of course, one of the big players from Penn State not showing up for the Senior Bowl was wide receiver Jahan Dotson, and now his absence from the event is being criticized by at least one draft analyst.
By not showing up at the Senior Bowl, Dotson could be putting more pressure on himself to perform extremely well at the upcoming NFL scouting combine, or at Penn State’s pro day event (or both). That is the suggestion of Yahoo Sports lead NFL draft analyst Eric Edholm, who included Dotson in his group of Senior Bowl losers from the past week.
Here’s what Edholm had to say about Dotson and his absence from the Senior Bowl festivities;
Dotson opted out of the week and, we believe, missed an opportunity to set himself apart. A strong 40-yard dash is expected at the scouting combine, and he’s flashed plenty on tape. But Dotson’s absence surprised us considering he’s not considered a first-round given. Meanwhile, other receivers used the week to gain some momentum.
Dotson has been viewed in a number of mock drafts as a potential late first-round draft pick, and he has widely been considered among the best receiver prospects in the draft pool.
Dotson’s absence helped other wide receivers grab some of the spotlight at the Senior Bowl, including North Dakota State’s Christian Watson, who was labeled a Senior Bowl winner by Edholm.
How much not playing in the Senior Bowl truly impacts Dotson’s NFL draft outlook remains to be seen. It’s worth a quick reminder that Dotson also opted out of Penn State’s trip to the Outback Bowl. But even without playing in the Outback Bowl or Senior Bowl, Dotson put together a pretty solid reputation on the field and has more than enough highlights to show off in the film room.
Still, Edholm does have a point. The Senior Bowl is the ultimate opportunity for any draft prospect to shine on and off the field, including in interviews. But if Dotson is feeling comfortable enough with his draft outlook and he turns in an impressive showing at the combine and/or Penn State’s pro day, then missing the Senior Bowl may mean nothing in the grand scheme of things.
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