Open Nav
Show Navigation
Show Menu
FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

Jahan Dotson Looking Like New Slot Receiver

By Matt Schauf | Updated on Sun, Aug 11 2024 1:29 PM UTC
Jahan Dotson Headshot

WR Jahan Dotson worked as the Commanders' primary slot man in the team's preseason opener against the Jets. He opened the game in the slot, with Terry McLaurin and Dyami Brown as the outside WRs. According to Pro Football Focus, Dotson matched McLaurin's and QB Jayden Daniels' 11 first-team snaps -- while Brown totaled just four. Dotson went on to play some with the second unit as well, though, after McLaurin and Daniels left. Dotson also remained in the slot when Olamide Zaccheaus replaced Brown for some three-WR sets with the first team. That's especially noteworthy, because Zaccheaus played 61% and 68% of his snaps in the slot the past two years (in Atlanta, then Philly).

2024 Fantasy Football Impact

OC Kliff Kingsbury got a lot of production from his slot WRs in Arizona. According to Pro Football Focus, the Cardinals' 434 catches by slot WRs from 2019-22 ranked second-highest in the NFL over that span.

Dotson should remain the primary outside guy across from McLaurin in two-wide sets as well. But this altered role could help his target count -- which would obviously be good news for his fantasy outlook.

Dotson increased his slot exposure from 26.3% as a 2022 rookie to 42.1% last year but still ceded Washington's primary slot role to Curtis Samuel. Dotson also ran just 16.9% of his career pass snaps from the slot across four college seasons.

That relative lack of exposure could explain why the Commanders kept him on the field for extra reps after the starters left against the Jets.

Other Winners & Losers

Dotson's extensive slot usage in the preseason opener isn't good news for the 2024 outlook for third-round rookie WR Luke McCaffrey.

It shouldn't surprise anyone if McCaffrey doesn't crack the team's top 3 at WR this season, given that he spent just the past two years at wideout after beginning college as a dual-threat QB.

McLaurin and Dotson look like the only draftable Commanders WRs for most fantasy football formats. Dotson looks underrated in drafts.

McCaffrey remains an intriguing dynasty stash.

Projected ADP Movement

Dotson drew no targets before Daniels left the Jets game and finished with just 2 receptions for 13 yards on three total targets.

He'll likely need to post a big line in an exhibition game to move his ADP significantly.

Matt Schauf Author Image
Matt Schauf, Editor
Matt has earned two Fantasy Pros accuracy awards for IDP rankings and won thousands of dollars as a player across best ball, dynasty, and high-stakes fantasy formats. He has been creating fantasy football content for more than 20 years, with work featured by Sporting News, Rotoworld, Athlon, Sirius XM, and others. He's been with Draft Sharks since 2011.
Video: 7 Post-Draft Fantasy Football Winners (Plus 5 Late Targets)

Video: 7 Post-Draft Fantasy Football Winners (Plus 5 Late Targets)

5:26pm UTC 5/9/25

Caleb Williams keeps getting help in Chicago. But another QB might have come out of the draft as a sleeper. And we've got five high-ceiling RBs to target LATE in your drafts.

Read More »
Video: Superflex Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft with Jacob Gibbs

Video: Superflex Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft with Jacob Gibbs

5:10pm UTC 5/9/25

How early should Travis Hunter go? Where do the rookie tiers break? And are we all underrating Cam Ward? We'll answer that and more in this rookie mock draft.

Read More »
Video: 4 Rookie IDP Sleepers -- Plus Studs and Duds

Video: 4 Rookie IDP Sleepers -- Plus Studs and Duds

4:58pm UTC 5/9/25

Donovan Ezeiruaku and Nic Scourton trailed the five edge players who went in Round 1. But might they outperform everyone after Abdul Carter? Let's discuss ...

Read More »
Get Instant Access to the Draft War Room & Much MoreWhy Wouldn't You Invest $23 To Win Your League?
Select Billing Option:
Semi-annually
Monthly
Save 60% by paying semi-annually!
Redraft Leagues, Unlimited
$6$16
Per month , billed semi-annually Question

IncludedUnlimited Live-Draft SyncQuestionQuestion
IncludedDraft War RoomQuestionQuestion
IncludedMock Draft TrainerQuestionQuestion
IncludedFree Agent FinderQuestionQuestion
IncludedSit-Start Team GuideQuestionQuestion
IncludedTrade NavigatorQuestionQuestion
Add Personalized Advice
$16$44
Per month , billed semi-annually Question

Get personalized advice all season:
  • Draft questions
  • Lineup decisions
  • Trade and Waiver Wire advice
  • Really, any fantasy football advice you need
Via email... straight from our fantasy analysts to you!
Compare Plans »
THE 2025 ROOKIE GUIDE (V3) IS UPDATED POST-DRAFT!
80 Prospects • Mock Drafts • Trade Values • Model Scores • Analytics & More