Rookies tend to have a lot on their minds as they go through their first NFL season, and Washington Commanders wideout Jahan Dotson is no different.
As he put it on "Good Morning Football," Dotson has been "slapped with a big playbook that he needs to learn." He's also needed to find his place among a receiver group that is already full of talent with the likes of Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel.
Add all of that to the fact that he was the Commanders' first-round pick, and it would be understandable for Dotson to feel pressure as he works through training camp. If there is, it has not shown in Dotson's performance, which by all accounts has been worthy of the 16th overall pick.
It helps that Dotson has Carson Wentz to lean on as he learns the ropes of the NFL.
"Carson has been more than helpful to me," Dotson said.
There is a long list of reasons why Dotson is grateful to have a quarterback like Wentz throwing passes to him. For starters, Wentz is entering his seventh season, so he's been able to impart some of the veteran knowledge on to Dotson.
"He knows the ropes," Dotson said. "He's seen a lot of football. He's an extremely good leader. I wouldn't rather have anyone else."
Wentz has been proactive about establishing a relationship with his pass-catchers as well. Players like Terry McLaurin and Cole Turner complimented Wentz's throwing style, saying the amount of airtime he puts in his passes gives them a better chance to make plays downfield. He will also work with them individually on the sideline, offering pointers on how they can run routes so their timing can be on point.
Dotson has experienced that firsthand and added that the quarterback puts the ball "on the money." Having a receiver-friendly signal-caller has been a boon for the rookie.
"He gives me opportunities to go make plays," Dotson said. "So, he's been great."
Dotson and Wentz have clicked from the moment they stepped on the field together in OTAs. That bond has grown during training camp, and they'll get to show some of that during the Commanders' preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers.
It's one of the many reasons Dotson is anxious to take his first snaps at FedExField.
"I truly can't wait for the opportunity on Saturday," Dotson said. "I get to lace it up for the first time on an NFL football field. So, I'm truly excited."
The Washington Commanders made their final preparations for the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers by holding a walkthrough at Joint Base Andrews. Check out the top photos from the practice, which included remarks from co-owner and co-CEO Tanya Snyder. Photos by Emilee Fails/Washington Commanders
Here's a morning roundup of what the local and national media have to say about the Washington Commanders on Saturday, August 13, 2022. All reports, rumors and conjecture are a reflection of the media conversation and are not endorsed or confirmed by the Washington Commanders.
The reports and deals expressed in this article have not been confirmed by Washington, nor do they reflect any insider information from anyone in the front office.
- The Washington Post's NIcki Jhabvala writes that Washington's wide receivers still have plenty to prove this season.
- NBC Sports Washington's Bijan Todd lists five Commanders whose snaps against the Panthers will mean more than most.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux gives five storylines to watch during Washington's preseason game against the Panthers.
- The Athletic's Ben Standig writes about what you should be looking for against the Panthers.
- ESPN's John Keim writes about Carson Wentz improving his chemistry with his pass-catchers.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about Kam Curl's versatility.
- NBC Sports Washington's Pete Hailey writes about Mike Adams, the man in charge of the Commanders' practice playlist.
- The Washington Times' Matthew Paras writes about how rookie Brian Robinson's fighter mentality has helped prepare him for the Commanders.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about the developing chemistry between Jahan Dotson and Carson Wentz.
- The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about the Commanders' offensive line looking to pick up where they left off from last season.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux offers five things to know about the Commanders new DL coach Jeff Zgonina.
- The Athletic's Ben Standig writes about what William Jackson III has shared to help out Christian Holmes.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about Sam Cosmi's increased comfortability heading into Year 2.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about how players are looking forward to the Aug.6 practice at FedExField.
- The Washington Post's Sam Fortier writes about a leaner Antonio Gibson who is confident heading into year 3.
- The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about the similar paths of Percy Butler and Washington Legend Brian Mitchell
Check Out What's On Commanders.com:
- Competition among Commanders' WRs intensifies ahead of preseason
- 3 keys to Washington's preseason opener against the Panthers
- 4 standouts from Week 3 of Commanders training camp
- Sophie Manning celebrates end of cancer treatment with training camp day full of fun
- Media roundup | Tress Way loves Percy Butler, looks forward to 'watching him hunt' on special team
- 'New best day ever': Cancer survivor Josiah Desper and family cherish a special night out at FedExField
- Training Camp Notebook | Rivera breaks down expectations for Commanders' preseason opener
- From the booth | Bram Weinstein gives his training camp takeaways
- Training Camp Notebook | McLaurin scores goal line TD as timing with Wentz improves
- Hail Mail | Assessing depth at DE and an update on the O-Line
- Commanders announce 2022 home jersey schedule
- Jeff Zgonina named Commanders' new defensive line coach
- McLaurin has confidence in his and Carson Wentz's budding chemistry
- Media roundup | Sam Cosmi's progress feels like 'night and day' from rookie season
- Training camp notebook | Commanders begin preparations for season opener
- Media roundup | Carson Wentz's TD to Terry McLaurin felt like a 'game rep'
- 4 standouts from Week 2 of training camp
- Brian Robinson is becoming more than a downhill threat
- Training camp notebook | Inside Sam Howell's 'awesome' relationship with Taylor Heinicke