2022 NFL Draft: Stop Sleeping on Penn State WR Jahan Dotson

Sep 25, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Jahan Dotson (5) runs with the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Villanova Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Jahan Dotson (5) runs with the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Villanova Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson is still being slept on for the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft as a potential top prospect in the class.

The 2022 NFL Draft already has a ton of prospects at wide receiver to look out for. Among the Big Ten, some notable names that lead the class are Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson from Ohio State. But one name that should get more hype is Penn State wide receiver, Jahan Dotson.

Mel Kiper actually named him as the top receiver prospect for the 2022 NFL Draft and the number eight overall player in his top 25 big board this past week. However, I still think his skill set is being underrated among the top potential receiver prospects for the 2022 NFL Draft. With that being said, Dotson still will need to finish this season strong to build his resume up as a potential first-round pick.

The redshirt senior is definitely not the biggest with his size and may not be the fastest among the other receivers in his class. However, he has secure hands and is a precise route runner with enough speed to burn secondaries. The 5’11” 184-pound pass-catcher from Happy Valley could translate better in the slot once he enters the pros at the age of 22 (currently 21).

His speed will be deadly on the outside in the NFL as a deep threat and will make an impact in special teams as a returner. Dotson showcases his potential as a dynamic playmaker that can score on any given down wherever he is lined up on the field. Dotson could be the next Penn State wide receiver taken in the first round since 2002 (Bryant Johnson).

This past offseason, Jahan Dotson ran a 4.33 40 yard dash, ranking 2nd among all Penn State wide receivers only behind KJ Hamler in 2019 (4.27). Despite leading the Big Ten in receiving yards last year, Dotson aims for loftier goals in 2021. In 2020, he totaled 52 receptions and 884 receiving yards with eight touchdowns in nine games.

This year, the Nittany Lion is already off to a hot start, catching 43 passes for 494 yards with six touchdowns in six games. A good finish to the season along with a solid Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine showing will definitely boost his stock even higher. If his chemistry with Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford continues, Dotson will continue to shoot up draft boards and break records along the way.