In the latest NFL Draft Big Board Mel Kiper has Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson as the 17th best prospect in the 2022 draft. The senior wide receiver had a strong senior season in 2021 by hauling in 91 catches for 1,182 yards and 12 touchdowns. Dotson was the only consistent target for quarterback Sean Clifford with the departure of Pat Freiermuth while making second-team All-Big Ten. Kiper is high on because Dotson has deep speed, crisp route-running ability, and spider-like hands that scouts clamor for. These traits make up for a smaller than what you like physique (5’11, 185).
Three receivers were rated above Dotson on Kiper’s big board. Jameson Williams of Alabama, Drake London of USC, and Garrett Wilson of Ohio State. Williams, the 6th best overall prospect had a big game in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia recording 7 catches for 184 yards and two scores. The transfer out of Ohio State has 68 catches for 1,445 yards and 15 touchdowns so far in 2021. Williams is taller than Dotson at 6’2” and has a similar ability as a deep threat which pi why he ranks higher on draft boards.
London, who is the 7th best overall prospect in the draft was having a monster season before he injured his ankle in October. London recorded 88 catches for 1,084 yards and 12 touchdowns playing on a Trojan team with an in-season coaching change. London is a class 6’5” big body receiver with great size and ability to catch contested passes and can run well after the catch.
Wilson is the 15th best overall prospect in the 2022 draft recorded 70 catches 1,058 yards and 13 touchdowns while being named First Team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America. Chris Olave who happens to be the 22nd best prospect according to Kiper recorded 65 catches for 936 yards and matching Wilsons output with 13 scores while being named Walter Camp football Foundation second-team All American. Both of these are slightly bigger than Dotson but possess similar skillsets.
If Dotson becomes a first-round pick next April, he will be the first Penn State wideout to do so since 2003, when the Arizona Cardinals selected Bryant Johnson 17th overall. Johnson recorded 314 catches for 3,938 yards and 16 touchdowns in nine seasons in the NFL.
