It seems as though some of Penn State’s latest NFL draft picks are off to goo starts with their new professional football teams. Former Nittany Lions safety [autotag]Jaquan Brisker[/autotag] is already being viewed as a solid Day 1 starter for the Chicago Bears. And Penn State’s first draft pick in 2022, wide receiver [autotag]Jahan Dotson[/autotag], has apparently made a good first impression with his new head coach, Ron Rivera, with the Washington Commanders.
“Very precise route runner, excellent hands, very sharp, very smart young man, hard worker,” Rivera reportedly told ESPN NFL writer Jeremy Fowler when asked about Dotson’s performance so far.
“[Has] done all the things you need to do to feel good about (him), Rivera explained to Fowler.”
Those are certainly complimentary words from a respected and successful head coach for the rookie out of Penn State. Of course, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise Dotson has proven himself so far in offseason workouts and camps with his new team. Dotson was well-respected in college and was considered one of the top wide receivers in the draft pool. And his character and hard-working attitude are a big part of why he was so successful during his time at Penn State.
Penn State and head coach James Franklin have been praised in recent years for how they prepare their players for the next level from performing at the scouting combine to being ready to contribute right away at the next level. Franklin has seen two of his former players go on to win rookie of the year honors with [autotag]Saquon Barkley[/autotag] being named the offensive rookie of the year in his first season with the New York Giants and linebacker [autotag]Micah Parsons[/autotag] being the unanimous defensive rookie of the year last season.
Dotson may not be the offensive rookie of the year, but he is already on his way to proving himself worthy of a first-round pick to his new head coach.
Lot of buzz on Jahan Dotson out of #Commanders camp. Here's what Ron Rivera said when I asked about the first-round pick: "Very precise route runner, excellent hands, very sharp, very smart young man, hard worker — has done all the things you need to do to feel good about (him)"
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) June 20, 2022
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