Chargers Scouting Report: Penn State WR Jahan Dotson

As we are just months away from the 2022 NFL draft, we are doing our annual evaluations on prospects.

With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.

Today, we are taking a look at Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson.

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Career: Third-team AP All-American. Notched 183 receptions, 2,757 receiving yards, and 26 touchdowns in 42 games. In 2021, joined Allen Robinson as just the second receiver in school history to record 90 catches in a single season while finishing second in career receptions and receiving touchdowns.

Red Flags: None

Strengths: Premier boundary threat with a well-versed route tree and skills to attack every level of the defense. Nuanced route runner that implements hesitation as well as quick start-stop footwork to shake defenders and prompt reactions that he capitalizes on. Showcases great quickness at the top of his routes, stemming from an effortless ability to sink his hips and explode out of the first few steps of his break. An unpredictable salesman in the intermediate area, deploying every part of his body to drive hard when he cuts. Large, dependable hands form a cocoon around the ball and are aggressive going up for the ball. Expertly wards off press contact and superbly wipes away defensive backs down the route stem, which earns him late separation. A magnet for big plays and long touchdowns with top-end speed to break open secondaries. Tough, competitive ball carrier who runs hard and bangs into tackles without fear.

Weaknesses: Not overly crafty as a ball carrier. Awareness when his quarterback is forced to work out of structure needs work – he can be a little late to react to the developing action and needs to improve at recognizing those situations to provide an open look. Can get off-balance at times rushing through his task.

Final Word: An undeniably athletic receiver, Dotson overcomes his below-average size to consistently win against press coverage with stellar technique, explosiveness through his cuts, and premium speed. He is proficient at running a hefty variety of routes and brings a dogged mentality to every snap. Dotson projects as an impact player that can fulfill numerous roles on an offense with his playmaking ability.

Fit Likelihood: High

Grade: 1st

Film Highlights
Dotson converting a red zone opportunity for Penn State against Ohio State in 2020 by working back to the ball for a one-handed catch before scoring.

Dotson toasting a Maryland defensive back on a Sluggo (slant and go) route for one of his three touchdowns of the game.

Dotson’s suddenness and twitch at the top of his route to gain separation outside against Michigan.