The Washington Commanders selected wide receiver Jahan Dotson 16th overall in the 2022 NFL draft to play opposite Terry McLaurin for years to come. Washington envisioned Dotson as a complement to McLaurin on the outside.
However, that was under Scott Turner. Turner was fired as offensive coordinator after 2022 and replaced by Eric Bieniemy. Dotson’s usage increased in the slot last season, but he still played primarily on the outside.
Turner, Bieniemy, and former head coach Ron Rivera are all gone. In is Kliff Kingsbury as the offensive coordinator. Kingsbury is considered one of football’s most innovative minds. Could Kingsbury have a different role in mind for Dotson in 2024?
In Washington’s preseason opener against the New York Jets, Dotson led all receivers with 32 snaps played. That’s a bit curious, considering Dotson is a starter, and McLaurin played 11 snaps, like quarterback Jayden Daniels and right guard Sam Cosmi.
However, according to Pro Football Focus, Dotson saw plenty of time in the slot on Saturday, with McLaurin and Dyami Brown on the outside. Also, Olamide Zaccheaus, who has played much of his career in the slot, played on the outside while Dotson remained in the slot.
The Commanders started with Terry McLaurin and Dyami Brown out wide and Dotson in the slot. Olamide Zaccheaus later replaced Brown for a few plays on the drive, and despite Zaccheaus being a primary slot receiver in recent seasons, Dotson was still in the slot with Zaccheaus out wide.
What does this mean for Dotson? Will this be his primary role? Now is the time to experiment with things like this. Also, if Brown continues to perform at a high level, it would make sense to have all three on the field together. Brown, entering his fourth season, is known for his deep speed but has 29 career receptions entering the season. He’s had a terrific training camp and preseason opener.
Playing in the slot could good for Dotson’s fantasy value, too.
Where does this leave McCaffrey? The rookie may play a reduced role this season, at least early, if Brown continues at his current pace.
Regardless, it’s a good problem to have for the Commanders and Dotson could have a career year playing inside.