Jahan Dotson: Missing piece in the Miami Dolphins’ WR room?

In Miami’s quest to build an effective and sustainable offense for years to come, the Dolphins’ receiving core, finishing last season with the eighth-most dropped passes in the NFL, is due for an upgrade.

The Dolphins already spent major resources on the wide receiver position last offseason, drafting star collegiate wideout Jaylan Waddle No. 6 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft and signing former Texan Will Fuller to a one-year contract worth upwards of $10 million.

While Waddle enjoyed a successful first season, leading all rookie wide receivers in receptions, Fuller was a disappointment, racking up a meager 26 receiving yards on four receptions in only two games played. With the latter’s contract expiring and questions ensuing about longtime Dolphin DeVante Parker’s durability, Miami would be smart to upgrade at the wide receiver position to help max out the potential of rising third-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Miami could look towards the first round of this year’s draft to address this position, with Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson presenting himself as an intriguing option that the Dolphins must consider drafting with the 29th overall pick.

Dotson, a wideout who enjoyed an illustrious four-year stint with the Nittany Lions, is a well-rounded and versatile receiving prospect who would be an exceptional fit in Miami head coach Mike McDaniel’s offense that rewards smart and crafty route-runners that can create adequate separation from defenders. Dotson’s loose hips allow for seamless breaks off his stem; his fluidity when running his routes is entirely natural.

What a filthy double move this was from Jahan Dotson. His route-running is probably his best trait.

Now to find some offensive linemen who will actually give Dotson time to branch out into that second move… pic.twitter.com/srPBM3CFeq

— Luke Chaney (@luke_chaney4) February 24, 2022

In what many expect to be a run-pass option (RPO) heavy offense for the Dolphins next season, Dotson’s ability to smoothly run the slant route, which was a majorly utilized route in 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and Mike McDaniel’s RPO packages in San Francisco, would be put to use. Pair that up with another fantastic slant route-runner in Waddle, and you have the makings of a lethal duo for Tagovailoa to throw the ball to out of the RPO look.

Bubble slant RPOs with Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle and Jahan Dotson next season>>> pic.twitter.com/BvIBx0AF1k

— Luke Chaney (@luke_chaney4) February 24, 2022

Another area of Dotson’s game that translates well to the NFL is his ability to high-point and possess contested catches. Given his capability to come down with these improbable receptions over the outstretched arms of defensive backs, Dotson plays way taller than his 5-foot-11 height might initially indicate. This allows him to play as a split-end or flanker receiver, which bodes well for McDaniel, who may opt to use Waddle more in the slot.

Yes folks. This is Jahan Dotson, who I remind you is only 5-foot-11, high-pointing footballs and mossing DBs out on the boundary like he’s 6-foot-3.

Just ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/LMtaOFWri9

— Luke Chaney (@luke_chaney4) February 24, 2022

Miami may shift its attention elsewhere with their first-round pick, but Dotson makes a compelling case for why he should be the Dolphins’ selection if they look to improve at the wide receiver position through the NFL draft.

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