Jahan Dotson, a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, is showing significant improvement during this year’s Training Camp. After joining the team just before last season began, Dotson said he spent much of that year catching up and learning on the fly.
This summer has been different. Dotson has had a full offseason with the Eagles, participating in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and Training Camp from start to finish. He credits his improved understanding of the playbook as a major factor in his development.
“The biggest thing for me is the playbook, right, and understanding what you’re doing,” Dotson said. “That enables you to play that much faster. So, being that I’ve had an entire offseason – the OTAs, Training Camp – and learning the playbook day by day, that process slows down a little bit but enables you to play faster on the field. I would say that’s the biggest difference for me, being comfortable out here and not worrying about what split I’m in, what I’m doing, knowing exactly where I’m supposed to be, when I’m supposed to be there and making plays.”
Dotson joined Philadelphia after two seasons with Washington. Last year was marked by uncertainty and limited opportunities for him on offense. However, he finished strong in the regular-season finale against New York with seven catches for 94 yards—his best performance of the year.
Increased playing time during postseason games followed his late-season surge. His snap count rose to 58 percent of offensive reps in those contests.
“I’m a completely different player than I was last year,” he said. “Mentally and physically, I feel like, from 365 days ago until now, I feel like I’m a completely different player because of the work I’ve put in. That work has enabled me to enhance my game. I’m looking to showcase that.
“My chemistry with Jalen is night and day. It’s hard to simulate that timing on the field when you come in when I came in last year. I was kind of thrown right into the fire from day one. It was kind of like plug and play. When you’re a quarterback, you don’t know when a guy is going to be there with his speed. You need to work together on that. The reps I had with him in the offseason have enabled him to know where I’m going to be on certain routes.
“It has built our trust in the offseason.”
Dotson worked closely with quarterback Jalen Hurts during private throwing sessions over recent months—a process both believe helped strengthen their timing and communication heading into this season.
A former first-round pick out of Penn State known for his quickness off the line and ability after catching passes, Dotson says he feels more confident each day at camp.
“It’s exciting to see that all of this hard work has paid off,” he said. “I feel it on the field. I am on my routes and I’m feeling very confident out there. Every day, it just keeps getting better and better.”
The improvements seen at camp suggest Dotson could have an expanded role alongside established receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith as Philadelphia prepares for its upcoming season.
