Buffalo Bills Scouting Report: WR Jahan Dotson

The Buffalo Bills are in need of wideouts. They have talent in the form of Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis. But Cole Beasley and Emmanuel Sanders are likely gone. Isaiah McKenzie is still looking for that extension. Then there’s just Marquez Stevenson, Tanner Gentry, and Isaiah Hodgins, with Jake Kumerow heading into free agency. So WR depth is a must. And after an impressive performance at the Combine, I would really like to see Jahan Dotson taken at 25.

Measurements

Height: 5’10 5/8”

Weight: 178 lbs

Wingspan: 74”

Strengths

Dotson is an elite route runner. With Diggs and Davis as the outside wideouts, someone is needed to fill the slot. Jahan would fit in perfectly. All of the tape I’ve seen not only shows how fluidly he can move downfield, but his ability to twist and adjust his body is just pure skill. He can track the ball really well over his shoulder and has a wide catch radius. With the range of throws Josh Allen makes, Dotson will be able to catch anything coming his way.

And doing all this whilst at top speed is just straight impressive. That quickness is present from the snap and then he just keeps at it. So, when he can pull a double move and make those quick cuts, it just looks so effortless. He keeps those DBs guessing, maybe breaks a few ankles in the process.

In his last season, he dropped just two passes in 138 targets. Whether he has to extend his full length, jump above the defence or use just one hand, he makes the catch.

Weaknesses

For all his talent, what has lowered his draft stock is unfortunately his size. Standing at under 5’11” and weighing just 178 lbs, he is shorter than DeVonta Smith, and weighs slightly more than him. For his skillset, the size is an advantage. But going up against significantly larger DBs may cause him issues in the NFL, especially when trying to break tackles.

Dotson’s length has already caused him problems during college. His extension sometimes just isn’t enough, with multiple instances of him having to double catch a pass that is just out of his reach. His athleticism means that, for now, he’s managed to hold on to the ball. In the pros, he might not be so lucky. If he has to fight for the ball, his size may mean he could lose.

So, why does he belong on the Buffalo Bills?

The size is a legitimate concern. However, when I see Jahan Dotson play, I see a hybrid of Diggs and Jarvis Landry. With a skillset like this, the Bills and Ken Dorsey can be a little more adventurous with their plays, molding him into the perfect offensive weapon for Allen.

Not only that, but with his speed, agility, and ball handling, he can be trained into the perfect return specialist. Something the Bills seem to be in dire need of. Stevenson is not the answer.

Diggs, Davis, McKenzie, and Dotson? I love that WR room. I hope the Bills make it happen.