After the preseason opener, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell publicly urged players to compete for the remaining few spots on the wide receiver depth chart twice in a three-day period.
A pivotal moment in that position struggle will occur on Saturday when the team plays the Kansas City Chiefs. The Lions may decide to add someone, to whatever extent that may be, if someone fails to make an effort to assert himself.
Surprisingly, wide receiver Jahan Dotson played a lot (32 offensive snaps) in the Washington Commanders’ preseason opener. Although it’s simple to crown him as Washington’s No. 2 wide receiver, head coach Dan Quinn seems to acknowledge this week that there is a genuine position competition taking place there.
“I think the WR2 conflict is currently in progress. There are a lot of guys in [joint practice] today. Two, three, four, and five will be seen. There are many males that are engaged in serious combat. Olamide [Zaccheaus] has truly impressed me. He’s had a pretty good camp, in my opinion. Anticipating additional work for Luke [McCaffrey]. Jahan [Dotson]. Dyami [Brown]. That is our current situation, and the special teams will also play a part in it.”
The Lions appear to have a new target in mind for a trade
Jahan Dotson, who was selected by the Commanders with the 16th pick overall in the 2022 selection, hasn’t exactly been spectacular in his two seasons. The potential he displayed as a rookie, when he scored seven touchdowns in 12 games, diminished into lesser yardage and 14 more receptions throughout the course of the whole 2017 season. It appears that he hasn’t yet distinguished himself from a rookie and two milquetoast others in the WR2 competition, despite the fact that this is a crucial year for him.
Dotson accepted his predicament by stating that there is a new administration in Washington through Sam Fortier of the Washington Post.
“I wasn’t drafted by DQ, You have to prove yourself in your line of work every single year. It is up to you to demonstrate your value and abilities. That’s my goal right now.
In Washington’s first preseason game, Dotson divided his repetitions fairly evenly between the outside and the slot, and it appears he’ll be doing the same thing against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday night.
Even though it can come across as hostile, NFL analyst Gregg Rosenthal went so far as to make assumptions regarding Dotson’s future in Washington after reading the tea leaves.
Although it’s a big “if” at this point, Dotson would be coveted by numerous clubs if he were available. The fact that the Commanders are willing to part with him shouldn’t restrict his market.
In the eyes of the Lions, Dotson—who stands five feet eleven inches and weighs eighty-two pounds—looks a lot like Kalif Raymond and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Although his play power has been criticized, he is an excellent route runner with a good catch radius. If a slot in the Detroit receiving corps happens to open up, he has a place there.
Even if someone like Daurice Fountain or Evan Peoples-Jones doesn’t stick out against the Chiefs, it’s still interesting to consider how determined the Lions would be to get a wide receiver. Although there may be better fits available on the trade market, Dotson’s performance suggests adding him to the pool of potential targets.
