As the 2023 NFL season approaches, all eyes are on the rising stars who have the potential to make a significant impact on the field.

Among those primed for a breakout sophomore campaign is former Penn State standout Jahan Dotson.

Dotson‘s impressive rookie season and the favorable circumstances he finds himself in make him an exciting player to watch in the coming year.

According to Heavy Sports Senior NFL Insider Matt Lombardo, Dotson is one of the five players most likely to have a breakout sophomore NFL season in 2023:

A case can be made that Jahan Dotson already broke out, down the stretch of his rookie season in 2022.

But, a full offseason in the Washington Commanders‘ offseason program along with opening the season with potential breakout Sam Howell at quarterback could set the stage for an even more explosive sophomore campaign in 2023.

Dotson, chosen No. 16 overall in the 2022 draft out of Penn State, caught 35 passes for 523 yards with 7 touchdowns as a rookie. What offers the most optimism for Dotson in 2023 is the fact that 23 of those receptions along with 371 yards and 3 of his touchdowns came over the second half of the season, after a hamstring injury kept him sidelined for four weeks.

Commanders quarterbacks posted a 102.9 passer rating on Dotson’s 56 targets, underscoring his reliability. If Dotson can stay healthy, he’ll certainly stand to benefit from the attention paid to Terry McLaurin by opposing defenses, and his smooth route-running both from the slot and split out wide offer significant upside for a breakout season.

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One of the factors contributing to Dotson’s optimistic outlook for the 2023 season is the arrival of Eric Bienemy as the Washington Commanders’ offensive coordinator.

Bienemy, known for his ability to maximize offensive potential, brings a fresh perspective to the team. With his guidance and innovative play-calling, Dotson stands to benefit greatly from the creative schemes and strategic game plans designed specifically for his skill set.

“That’s what you want in a coach, someone who’s going to push you to our limits,” Dotson recently said of Bienemy. “And make sure he gets everything out of you, gets the best out of you. You’re going to learn how to play hard every single day, every single snap, it’s been great. I’m grateful to have such a great mentor.”

Jahan Dotson Potential Breakout Season

Dotson’s unique attributes and skill set provide him with an excellent opportunity to shine in his sophomore campaign. His smooth route-running, whether from the slot or split out wide, poses a constant challenge for opposing defenses. With defenses likely focusing their attention on standout receiver Terry McLaurin, Dotson has the chance to exploit matchups and create big plays down the field. As Dotson enters his second year in the NFL, the stage is set for him to make a significant impact. With a solid rookie season under his belt and a promising supporting cast around him, including quarterback Sam Howell and offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy, Dotson is primed for a breakout campaign.

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