Another Washington Commanders First-Round Pick Has a Future in Question, Entering Week 2.
Miami — The Washington Commanders struggled in the NFL Draft’s first round until general manager Adam Peters’ appointment.
Recently, the Commanders declined Chase Young’s fifth-year option before trading him, Jamin Davis’ option was denied this summer, and there is rumor that receiver Jahan Dotson may be demoted to third receiver. Despite the attention on Washington’s probable decline, Dotson is committed to improving with every opportunity.
After Thursday’s joint practice against the Miami Dolphins, Dotson said, “I’m trying to demonstrate what I can do every single day and just be better than I was yesterday
“Every day I come out here, I try to improve. That’s my main emphasis.Keep improving since I’m not where I want to be. I’ll grow daily to be where I want to be.”
Coach Dan Quinn said Thursday morning that the Commanders’ No. 2 receiver has yet to be determined, and Dotson isn’t alone in his struggles.
“I would say we are right in the middle of it,” coach Quinn said of the team’s quest for a No. 2 receiver. “And thus, you’ll see a lot of males in…There’s a lot of guys that are really battling.
I’ve been pretty impressed with [WR] Olamide [Zaccheaus] and I think he’s had a really solid camp. I’m looking forward to getting [WR] Luke [McCaffrey] some more work into here, [WR] Jahan [Dotson], [WR] Dyami [Brown]. So that’s where we’re at and then the special teams is gonna have a play in that as well.”
In today’s NFL even being the third receiver on a squad is equivalent to being a starter. At practice on Thursday there were many looks where Dotson was on the field with receivers Terry McLaurin and Olamide Zaccheaus at the same time. Labels aside, all three men had opportunities to create plays for their offense.
Having the capacity is vital. And the more comfortable Dotson gets with offensive coach Kliff Kingsbury’s system the more chance he has at making an impact.
“I feel like I’m getting quite comfortable with the offense, especially moving inside and outside. Being able to play practically every position we have in the wide receiver room,” added Dotson.
“It is simply me coming home every day and putting in my playbook, making sure that I know where I’m supposed to line up my assignment and that let me to play faster. So yeah, being familiar with the playbook is key for me.”
No receiver played more snaps in the Commanders’ first preseason game than Dotson, something that attracted lots of notice. Coach Quinn said he expects the receiver to play a similar number of snaps on Saturday against Miami.
It’ll be another opportunity for Dotson to establish himself, and the latest data collection endeavor for Washington in its pursuit for a No. 2 receiver.
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