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Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera met with the media after his team selected Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson No. 16 overall in the 2022 NFL draft.
The Commanders picked Dotson after moving down from No. 11 after a trade with the New Orleans Saints. Washington acquired the No. 98 and 120 overall selections in the trade.
So what does Washington’s coach think of his new wide receiver?
Rivera said Dotson reminds him of DeSean Jackson and Steve Smith — both potential future Pro Football Hall of Famers. At around 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, Smith played three seasons for Rivera in Carolina before finishing his 16-year career in Baltimore.
Jackson has played for the Eagles, Commanders, Buccaneers, Rams and Raiders and will be entering his 15th NFL season in 2022.
Ron Rivera on Jahan Dotson. Reminds him some of DeSean Jackson and Steve Smith: pic.twitter.com/SpDX17j98Z
— John Keim (@john_keim) April 29, 2022
At 5-foot-10, 175 pounds, Jackson is known for his big-play ability.
Dotson is built similarly to both players, as he stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 178 pounds.
It’s unfair to compare Dotson to either player. Any NFL receiver who weighs 185 pounds or less is often unfairly compared to Jackson. Smith was one of the NFL’s most physical players throughout his career despite his size.
In comparing Dotson to Jackson and Smith, Rivera noted how each of those players plays bigger than their size.
What else did Rivera like about Dotson? He loved his interior route-running and ability after the catch. It sure sounds like Rivera sees Dotson as a slot receiver.
Weve heard a lot about versatility but Rivera zeroed in on Dotson's interior route running as a great advantage. That means playing the slot.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 29, 2022
General manager Martin Mayhew said Dotson reminds him of Terry McLaurin because of his ability on contested catches.
Those are all lofty comparisons for Washington’s new receiver.