NFL Draft: Is Penn State WR Jahan Dotson New York Giants’ best fit?

If the New York Giants are targeting a wide receiver during the 2022 NFL Draft, Penn State’s Jahan Dotson could be a fit

At some point during the 2022 NFL Draft, the New York Giants are going to need to add a playmaker or two around quarterback Daniel Jones.

That’s just the reality of entering a pivotal season to evaluate whether Jones is the franchise’s long-term solution, as he enters the fourth season of his career, and coming off a 21 campaign that saw top wide receiver Kenny Golladay go without scoring a touchdown.

Sure, adding a cornerstone offensive tackle to bookend opposite Andrew Thomas is a top priority. As is bolstering one of the NFL’s least productive and most inconsistent pass rushes.

But, in a league that is tilted more than ever towards the offense, and with so much uncertainty surrounding Jones’ future, adding another dynamic wide receiver during the second consecutive draft could prove a sound strategy.

ESPN’s Matt Bowen suggests Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson might be the New York Giants’ best fit:

"Dotson would upgrade a wide receiver group in New York that lacks consistent production and availability. Quarterback Daniel Jones could get a target here who can separate against man coverage, and new coach Brian Daboll could scheme to give him free access of the ball as an explosive, three-level target on catch-and-run throws and vertical opportunities. The Giants have two top-seven picks to address other needs, so Dotson would be the ideal second-round fit for them."

Dotson caught a career-high 91 passes for 1,182 yards and six touchdowns, as a focal point of the Nittany Lions’ offense last season, while averaging 13 yards per reception.

During his three seasons in Happy Valley, Dotson proved capable of being a dangerous weapon after the catch, which could be exactly what the New York Giants need in Brian Daboll’s scheme. Especially if the goal is for Jones to get the ball out of his hands quickly and to his playmakers.

“I watched a cornerback from Wisconsin, against Dotson,” an NFL executive recently told FanSided. “He followed Jahan around the field and just couldn’t cover him. I was watching the corner, and I kept rewinding to watch Jahan.

“I was like ‘holy shit, he is quick as lightning. [Cornerback] is a good football player, but he had no chance against Dotson. It was almost embarrassing.”