The Houston Texans have a variety of directions they can go in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, and the constant shifting of picks as some teams jockey for the best position to take a quarterback further jumbles the order.
If the Texans go with a defensive first round but still feel the need to address receiver, former Penn State wideout Jahan Dotson is a target they need to look at.
According to Natalie Miller from the Draft Wire, Dotson has the ability to contribute at the next level with effective route-running.
Dotson routinely beats press coverage with a unique wiggle, using quick feet to sell one side before bursting out of the other and gliding into his route. His overall speed control is impressive, as he has a clear focus on how to use it to break away from press, zone, or hit that next level. It’s entertaining to watch Dotson lull a defender with a slower gear before blasting inside, and then hitting top speed after the catch. This will help him execute an extensive route tree in the NFL.
At 5-11, 178 pounds, Dotson would be a speedy receiver who takes advantage of open space. When corralled or facing defenders, Dotson might not be the guy to bull his way for more yards.
While Dotson excels into his route, he does have some issues going down on first contact once he has the ball in his hands. It was surprising to see on film, given his burst and raw speed, but it will be something he needs to focus on in the NFL if he wants to become an elite playmaker at that level.
While Dotson is projected to go in the top-40, Houston needs to consider whether spending the No. 37 overall pick in Round 2 would be worth the value. As a third-round pick, where Houston picks at Nos. 68 and 80 overall, Dotson would be worth the selection.
