Tag: Jahan Dotson

NFL draft analyst has Penn State in elite company this draft season

NFL draft analyst from The Athletic has Penn State in elite company this draft season

Each year that Dane Brugler has worked at The Athletic he has put together arguably the best NFL draft guide for fans titled The Beast. This year he has Penn State in some notable company after publishing it this past week.

Several schools had multiple players listed in its top fifty, none could compete with the seven that Georgia has on the list, but Penn State is in some solid company.

Penn State, along with Big Ten rival Michigan and Alabama, all have three players inside the top fifty of Brugler’s. Penn State has safety [autotag]Jaquan Brisker[/autotag] and edge/linebacker [autotag]Arnold Ebiketie[/autotag] on the list that is highlighted by [autotag]Jahan Dotson[/autotag] who ranks the highest of them all. Dotson comes in at number 25 on his overall big board with Ebiketie coming in just behind Dotson at 28, and Brisker ranking 42 on it.

All three were Penn State leaders last year and were selected as All-Americans, in the NFL they are going to have to face some adversity such as will Dotson be different from [autotag]K.J. Hamler[/autotag] and [autotag]Daesean Hamilton[/autotag]? Which position is the best for Ebeketie?

Brugler says that Dotson “puts defenders in conflict with his twitchy speed” and when discussing his size he drops one of his best compliments possible. With Dotson’s size, Brugler says “he has above-average hands and natural body control with maybe the largest catch radius of any sub-5-foot-11 receiver I have ever scouted”. One would think he may be the best receiver for Penn State out of the trio that was mentioned above.

He has more glowing reviews of Ebiketie and some good points on Brisker in The Beast. You can also read about [autotag]Rasheed Walker[/autotag], [autotag]Jesse Luketa[/autotag], [autotag]Brandon Smith[/autotag], [autotag]Ellis Brooks[/autotag], and [autotag]Tariq Castro-Fields[/autotag] All of the players mentioned have full player summaries from The Athletic’s lead draft analyst Dane Brugler. Be sure to check that out and to stay tuned for our coverage of the draft and all things Penn State.

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Cletis Cutts’ 2022 NFL mock draft

Cletis Cutts releases his 2022 NFL mock draft.

Cletis Cutts presents our latest NFL mock draft of 2022. Sound off on social media to let us know your thoughts, and be sure to check our 2022 NFL Draft Central page to keep track of all of the offerings.

2022 NFL Mock Draft

Pick Team Pos Player School
1 Jacksonville Jaguars EDGE Aidan Hutchinson Michigan
2 Detroit Lions QB Malik Willis Liberty
3 Houston Texans EDGE Travon Walker Georgia
4 New York Jets CB Sauce Gardner Cincinnati
5 New York Giants OT Evan Neal Alabama
6 Carolina Panthers QB Kenny Pickett Pittsburgh
7 New York Giants (via CHI) EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux Oregon
8 Atlanta Falcons WR Drake London USC
9 Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) OT Ickey Ekwonu N.C. State
10 New York Jets (via SEA) EDGE Jermaine Johnson II Florida State
11 Washington Commanders S Kyle Hamilton Notre Dame
12 Minnesota Vikings DT Jordan Davis Georgia
13 Houston Texans (via CLE) OT Charles Cross Mississippi State
14 Baltimore Ravens EDGE George Karlaftis Purdue
15 Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA) DL Devonte Wyatt Georgia
16 New Orleans Saints (via IND>PHI) QB Matt Corral Ole Miss
17 Los Angeles Chargers OT Trevor Penning Northern Iowa
18 Philadelphia Eagles (via NO) WR Chris Olave Ohio State
19 New Orleans Saints (via PHI) WR Garrett Wilson Ohio State
20 Pittsburgh Steelers CB Derek Stingley Jr. LSU
21 New England Patriots WR Jameson Williams Alabama
22 Green Bay Packers (via LV) WR Treylon Burks Arkansas
23 Arizona Cardinals EDGE Boye Mafe Minnesota
24 Dallas Cowboys OG Zion Johnson Boston College
25 Buffalo Bills CB Trent McDuffie Washington
26 Tennessee Titans OT Tyler Smith Tulsa
27 Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Jahan Dotson Penn State
28 Green Bay Packers LB Nakobe Dean Georgia
29 Kansas City Chiefs (via MIA) WR Christian Watson North Dakota State
30 Kansas City Chiefs EDGE Arnold Ebiketie Penn State
31 Cincinnati Bengals C Tyler Linderbaum Iowa
32 Detroit Lions (via LAR) LB Devin Lloyd Utah

18 potential prospects for the Patriots at 21st overall in the 2022 NFL draft

Let’s take a look at the Patriots’ long list of (terrific) options at 21st overall.

The New England Patriots are slated to pick at 21st overall in the 2022 NFL draft, and Bill Belichick is liable to try just about anything. New England has seven picks, and Patriots owner Robert Kraft suggested the team wants to focus on building their talent through the draft. So it seems unlikely Belichick will ship off any more draft capital for veterans after he traded a 2023 third-round pick for receiver DeVante Parker. But Belichick is hardly cemented into his draft slot. He has a propensity to move around, occasionally moving up to chase one of his favorite prospects — but, more often, moving back in the draft to target value.

With that in mind, we took a look at the best prospects for the Patriots. I considered who will be available around 21st overall — while also considering the team’s perceived needs. Here’s a look.

2022 NFL draft: WR Jahan Dotson named a ‘best fit’ for Giants

Penn State WR Jahan Dotson has been named a “best fit” for the New York Giants, who have far more pressing needs at other positions.

The New York Giants have a plethora of needs entering the 2022 NFL draft and wide receiver isn’t exactly among them.

With Sterling Shepard back, Kenny Golladay on a big contract and Darius Slayton, Kadarius Toney, David Sills and others all in tow, the Giants can certainly focus elsewhere. Still, don’t rule out the possibility of a mid- or late-round receiver.

One potential option is Penn State wideout Jahan Dotson. And although he’s widely viewed as a first-round pick, Matt Bowen of ESPN believes he’d be a “perfect fit” for the Giants and head coach Brian Daboll in Round 2.

Why he fits: Dotson could come off the board late in Round 1 to Green Bay or Kansas City, but I have him going to the Giants here at the top of Day 2 as a versatile receiver with low 4.4 40 speed and big-play upside. Dotson doesn’t have the physical profile to consistently work the dirty areas of the field, but he is a refined route runner who can set up and shake coverage within the stem. He’s slippery after the catch, too, as he can create in space. And we know he will shift gears to get free on the deep ball; eight of his 12 touchdowns last season came on vertical or post routes.

Dotson would upgrade a wide receiver group in New York that lacks consistent production and availability. Quarterback Daniel Jones could get a target here who can separate against man coverage, and new coach Brian Daboll could scheme to give him free access of the ball as an explosive, three-level target on catch-and-run throws and vertical opportunities. The Giants have two top-seven picks to address other needs, so Dotson would be the ideal second-round fit for them.

Although intriguing, the Giants really aren’t in a position for luxury picks. They have pressing needs at right tackle, along the edge, linebacker, tight end, safety and quite possibly cornerback and running back. Even after all those positions are addressed, depth at center/guard and a true nose tackle are more immediate needs than a wide receiver.

Perhaps in another scenario Dotson would be a “perfect pick,” but not with so many other areas in need of a repair.

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Cory Bonini’s 2022 NFL mock draft 2.0

Round 1 updated mock for the 2022 NFL Draft

A recent trade has shaken up the middle of the 2022 NFL Draft’s opening round. The swapping of picks warranted an update a week sooner than planned, so I took the opportunity to fully revisit each pick from the top down in this Round 1 mock draft. While many picks did not change, a few intriguing adjustments atop the draft created a ripple effect throughout. You can check out the first iteration, if you so please.

Be sure to check our NFL Draft Central page to keep track of all of the offerings. We’ll have multiple new and updated mocks throughout the month of April, along with player scouting reports and post-draft analysis of every key pick relevant to fantasy football.

2022 NFL Mock Draft

NFL draft: What NFL teams are interested in Rasheed Walker?

What NFL teams are doing their homework on Penn State’s Rasheed Walker as the NFL draft approaches?

Former Nittany Lion offensive tackle [autotag]Rasheed Walker[/autotag] has seen some heavy interest from NFL teams as they wind down the pre-draft visits. Teams with needs at the tackle position seem to be keen on Walker as he may become a value for teams in the upcoming NFL Draft.

According to a report from Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline, the Washington Commanders, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings, and Seattle Seahawks have all had visits with Walker. All of those teams mentioned above have needs at the tackle position as well making them good fits for Walker. Walker protected [autotag]Sean Clifford[/autotag]’s blindside for his entire career in State College and for teams with players like Trevor Lawrence and Kirk Cousins at quarterback, it is best to protect them the best you can.

Walker was one of the few Penn State freshmen in 2019 playing in all 13 games that season and started all the games during the COVID shortened 2020 season. Overall in his Penn State career, he appeared in 36 career games with 32 of those games being starts for Walker. He has the frame and build, 6’6” and 313 pounds, and is still young enough, 22, to where he should be highly sought after on day two of the draft.

His playstyle is more athletic as well as he has shown to be nimble on his feet while also being big enough to handle NFL-sized defensive ends. He will need some consistent coaching as he has been in three defensive systems, including two different line coaches, once he gets that he has a ton of NFL upside.

Penn State fans will have several big names to watch during the draft such as [autotag]Jahan Dotson[/autotag], [autotag]Jaquan Brisker[/autotag], [autotag]Arnold Ebiketie[/autotag], in addition to Walker. The NFL draft starts on April 28 and runs through April 30 and can be found on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network.

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Prospect for Jags fans to know: Penn State WR Jahan Dotson

The Jags added various pass-catchers in free-agency, but if Jahan Dotson is available for pick No. 33, they should take him to help Trevor Lawrence.

Trent Baalke and the Jacksonville Jaguars front office added some help for quarterback Trevor Lawrence last month in free agency. The moves they made included signing receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, as well as tight end Evan Engram through a prove-it deal. While the team notably lost DJ Chark Jr., their additions should be more than enough to compensate.

Heading into the NFL Draft, many fans believe that the receiver room still needs major additions with most glaring at that 33rd overall selection as a possible answer. At 33, the Jaguars could look at many different receivers, George Pickens, Christian Watson, and Skyy Moore come to mind.

However, there is another. That player is Penn State’s, Jahan Dotson. While Dotson doesn’t have the absurd testing of those players above, he no doubt is a better player today and will enter draft night as one of the more polished receivers in the entire draft.

Dotson has everything you look for in a No. 2 receiver. While his size (5-foot-11, 184 pounds) limits him to a degree, his ball skills and body control are top-notch, as is his route-running. He also might have the best set of mitts in the class. Dotson’s more of a jack of all trades, a master of none.

This natural feel for the position has helped Dotson cement himself amongst the class’s best receivers. In 2021, the Nittany Lion caught 91 balls for nearly 1,200 yards and a conference-high of 12 touchdowns.

With so little on the outside for Jacksonville, someone with Dotson’s expertise and high floor would be a welcomed edition to help alleviate pressure off of Lawrence. It could go a long way.

Here’s just a taste of what Dotson could bring to Duval!

For Jacksonville, I think Dotson and Pickens are the clear best options at No. 33, assuming the top-5 receivers are off the board. While the team may very well elect to go linebacker or guard, receiver still is a massive need and Dotson is simply one of the best in this 2022 class.

Texans should consider Jahan Dotson as a Day 2 solution at receiver

If the Houston Texans are looking for a solution at receiver on Day 2, former Penn State WR Jahan Dotson could be an option.

The Houston Texans have a variety of directions they can go in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, and the constant shifting of picks as some teams jockey for the best position to take a quarterback further jumbles the order.

If the Texans go with a defensive first round but still feel the need to address receiver, former Penn State wideout Jahan Dotson is a target they need to look at.

According to Natalie Miller from the Draft Wire, Dotson has the ability to contribute at the next level with effective route-running.

Dotson routinely beats press coverage with a unique wiggle, using quick feet to sell one side before bursting out of the other and gliding into his route. His overall speed control is impressive, as he has a clear focus on how to use it to break away from press, zone, or hit that next level. It’s entertaining to watch Dotson lull a defender with a slower gear before blasting inside, and then hitting top speed after the catch. This will help him execute an extensive route tree in the NFL.

At 5-11, 178 pounds, Dotson would be a speedy receiver who takes advantage of open space. When corralled or facing defenders, Dotson might not be the guy to bull his way for more yards.

While Dotson excels into his route, he does have some issues going down on first contact once he has the ball in his hands. It was surprising to see on film, given his burst and raw speed, but it will be something he needs to focus on in the NFL if he wants to become an elite playmaker at that level.

While Dotson is projected to go in the top-40, Houston needs to consider whether spending the No. 37 overall pick in Round 2 would be worth the value. As a third-round pick, where Houston picks at Nos. 68 and 80 overall, Dotson would be worth the selection.

Breaking down picks for Packers in Todd McShay’s two-round mock draft

Who did the Packers get in Todd McShay’s two-round mock draft? We break down the four selections.

The start of the 2022 NFL draft is 23 days away. ESPN’s Todd McShay released an updated two-round mock draft on Tuesday, so let’s take a look at who McShay had the Green Bay Packers pick with their four selections in the first two rounds. 

22nd overall pick: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

It’s been 20 years since the Packers selected a wide receiver in the first round. With the Packers having a major need at wide receiver and two first-round picks at their disposal, that streak seems likely to end on April 28.

This past season, Dotson hauled in 91 receptions for 1,182 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Penn State wide receiver may be on the lighter side (178) pounds, but he’s an eclectic playmaker. In his final 21 games, Dotson accounted for 21 touchdowns. For his career he had six touchdowns that went for 60 yards or more.

Dotson has strong, reliable hands and plays bigger than his frame. According to Pro Football Focus, Dotson was targeted 138 times this past season and only had two drops. 

With his big-play ability and reliable hands, Dotson could quickly earn the trust of Aaron Rodgers leading to many big plays at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.

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28th overall pick: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

Green is one of the most versatile offensive lineman in the 2022 NFL Draft. This past season Green started games at left tackle, right tackle, left guard and right guard. While he’s never taken snaps at center, Green has Elgton Jenkins-like versatility.

Green is a quick and powerful run blocker. He’s got a powerful lower half and is able to drive defenders in any direction he chooses. 

In pass protection, Green has a strong base. He’s rarely knocked off balance and is able to anchor down against bull rushers. The former five-star recruit has the foot quickness and lateral agility to protect the corner at tackle.

With his versatility Green could be a plug-and-play starter at right tackle or right guard for the Packers.

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53rd overall pick: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

McBride is viewed by many as the top tight end in the 2022 NFL draft and for good reason. This past season the Colorado State product led all FBS tight ends in receptions (90) and yards (1,121). The yardage total was the most in a single season by a tight end in Mountain West history. 

McBride is a big target (6-4), who isn’t afraid to work the middle of the field. He thrives on making catches in a crowd. He has the quickness (4.53) to threaten the seam. 

McBride is a natural in-line tight end. With his size and strength, he’s one of the best run blockers among the top-tiered tight ends in this class.

The Packers need an infusion of talent at the tight end position. McBride could provide an immediate impact as a run blocker, as well as being a big-bodied target over the middle for Rodgers.

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59th overall pick: Drake Jackson, Edge, USC

Jackson has all the talent in the world, but for whatever reason was never able to fully unlock it at the college level. The USC edge rusher will turn 21 on April 12, and with his upside it would not be shocking to see Brian Gutekunst select him in the first round.

He’s a toolsy edge rusher with his length, athleticism and explosiveness. This past season Jackson recorded eight tackles for loss and five sacks. Jackson has the lower body flexibility to bend and dip around the edge. 

The Packers have their starters in place with Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, but they need to restock the talent behind that duo. Jackson has all the tools to be a difference-maker. Getting him this late in the second round could prove to be the heist of the 2022 NFL draft a few years down the road. 

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2022 NFL mock draft: David Dorey

The Huddle’s David Dorey releases his first NFL mock draft of 2022.

David Dorey’s first mock draft of 2022 is now out. Sound off on social media and let us know what you think.

We’ll be unveiling several more mock drafts leading up to the real thing, so be sure to check back with our 2022 NFL Draft Central page to keep track of all of our offerings.

2022 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1

Pick Team Pos Player School
1 Jacksonville Jaguars EDGE Aidan Hutchinson Michigan
2 Detroit Lions EDGE Travon Walker Georgia
3 Houston Texans S Kyle Hamilton Notre Dame
4 New York Jets OT Ickey Ekwonu N.C. State
5 New York Giants EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux Oregon
6 Carolina Panthers OT Evan Neal Alabama
7 New York Giants (via CHI) CB Sauce Gardner Cincinnati
8 Atlanta Falcons OT Charles Cross Mississippi State
9 Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) OT Trevor Penning Northern Iowa
10 New York Jets (via SEA) WR Treylon Burks Arkansas
11 Washington Commanders CB Derek Stingley Jr. LSU
12 Minnesota Vikings EDGE George Karlaftis Purdue
13 Houston Texans (via CLE) WR Drake London USC
14 Baltimore Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum Iowa
15 Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA) CB Trent McDuffie Washington
16 Philadelphia Eagles (via IND) WR Chris Olave Ohio State
17 Los Angeles Chargers LB Devin Lloyd Utah
18 New Orleans Saints EDGE David Ojabo Michigan
19 Philadelphia Eagles EDGE Jermaine Johnson II Florida State
20 Pittsburgh Steelers WR Garrett Wilson Ohio State
21 New England Patriots LB Nakobe Dean Georgia
22 Green Bay Packers (via LV) WR Jameson Williams Alabama
23 Arizona Cardinals CB Kyler Gordon Washington
24 Dallas Cowboys OT Tyler Smith Tulsa
25 Buffalo Bills RB Breece Hall Iowa State
26 Tennessee Titans WR Jahan Dotson Penn State
27 Tampa Bay Buccaneers OG Zion Johnson Boston College
28 Green Bay Packers OT Bernhard Raimann Central Michigan
29 Kansas City Chiefs (via MIA) WR John Metchie III Alabama
30 Kansas City Chiefs CB Andrew Booth Clemson
31 Cincinnati Bengals S Dax Hill Michigan
32 Detroit Lions (via LAR) QB Kenny Pickett Pittsburgh