WR, Penn State
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 184 lbs
Class: Senior
Dotson was a four-star recruit coming out of high school in 2018. He received offers from the likes of Alabama and Georgia but chose to stay in-state and commit to Penn State. He became a full-time starter in his sophomore season and has gone from strength to strength ever since. Dotson had a career year in 2021, leading the team with 1,182 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was voted the Nittany Lions’ MVP and earned First Team All-Big Ten honours.
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Strengths
Despite lacking prototypical boundary receiver size, Dotson has thrived as the X receiver in Penn State’s offense. A big reason for that is his release package. Dotson displays excellent technique off the line, with quick footwork and sudden movement skills to cause problems for defensive backs. He is also comfortable working against press coverage, with some of the best hand usage at the line in this year’s receiver class. Dotson is consistently able to keep his chest clean and beat his man off the line. This is a trait that is highly valued by NFL teams.
He has no issues when faced with off coverage either thanks to his all around athletic profile. His explosiveness off the line forces defensive backs to open their hips early in the route. He then has the long speed to challenge them over the top, or the quick twitch athleticism to snap his routes off underneath and create instant separation. Whilst he didn’t run the most diverse route tree at Penn State, he was consistently able to get open.
Dotson has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable receivers in college football and he has some of the best hands in this year’s class. He has commanded 143 catchable targets over the past two seasons, dropping just five of them. His drop rate throughout his career is just 5.2%. Dotson tracks the ball well downfield and is adept at making adjustments mid-route.
His ability to work outside the strike zone is particularly impressive, with great body control and high pointing ability. There were numerous examples on tape where he was able to make spectacular catches outside his frame that belied his size. He has even been solid in contested catch scenarios, winning 44.1% of such targets throughout his career. He combines this with the necessary concentration and toughness when working across the middle of the field.
Weaknesses
There will be some concerns about Dotson’s size and his ability to translate to the NFL. He played primarily as a boundary receiver at Penn State, but at 5’11” and 184 lbs he is likely to be seen by many as a slot receiver in the NFL. I have confidence that he can still win as an outside receiver thanks to his impressive release package, but he definitely has some issues with play strength throughout the route and will need to add a bit more muscle when he reaches the NFL.
The other weakness at the moment is his YAC ability. This is partly the result of scheme, with Dotson rarely given the chance to create his own yardage. That said, when the opportunities did arise he wasn’t nearly as dynamic after the catch as his athletic profile would suggest.
Bottom Line
Dotson possesses a well-rounded skillset and offers a record of consistent production. He displays great technique as a route runner and pairs this with the requisite athleticism and hands to succeed in the NFL. His long-term future may see a more slot-heavy role, but he should have success wherever he ends up.
Ideal role: Vertical threat from the boundary or the slot
Round projection: 1st round
