Jahan

Dotson

The Falcons released Darnell Mooney and KhaDarel Hodge, leaving them with a depth chart behind Mooney of Olamide Zaccheaus, Casey Washington and Deven Thompkins. The Falcons, who lost their first-round pick in the ill-fated James Pearce trade, also don’t have many draft picks this year and could be less likely than most teams to draft a wideout that could challenge Dotson for a role. We’re not quite at “sleeper” status here, but we’re at least late-round Best Ball curious.

Dotson could see starter’s snaps in Atlanta after the Falcons parted ways with Darnell Mooney. Dotson was stuck behind DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown over the past couple seasons in Philadelphia with no real way to see consistent routes or targets in the Eagles’ ultra run-heavy offense. Dotson managed just 37 catches and one touchdown over 34 regular season games with the Eagles. In Atlanta he will be a distant WR2 at best in Kevin Stefanski’s offense.

Finishing up his second year as the Eagles’ sparingly-used No. 3 wideout, Dotston was sporadically productive in a dysfunctional passing attack. Headed to free agency after Philly declined his fifth-year team option, Dotson could end up back with the Eagles on a non-guaranteed contract. The 2022 draft bust’s two years in the Eagles’ system probably make him worth more to Philly than anybody else. That being said, we doubt Dotson would be a candidate to ascend to No. 2 status if A.J. Brown is traded.

Dotson saw increased opportunity with the Eagles resting most of their starters in Week 18. He was able to convert eight targets into only 40 yards, including a miscommunication with Tanner McKee that led to a goal line interception in the second quarter. Dotson will only see an increase in routes if A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are out. Heading into the playoffs, he is the No. 3 wide receiver in the Eagles offense.

Dotson saw a big bump in routes with A.J. Brown sidelined with a hamstring issue. He made the most of his two targets, catching a gorgeous bomb from Jalen Hurts in the third quarter for a 40-yard score — one of Hurts’ four touchdown throws on the day. Dotson likely won’t have any fantasy appeal when the Eagles return from their bye in Week 10 if Brown is back in action.

Dotson had 24 snaps of Philadelphia’s team total of 50, so he remains the most-used third receiver for the team. It doesn’t seem like that matters, but we figured we’d tell you in case you were curious. Dotson hasn’t cleared one catch since Week 1.

Non-A.J. Brown/DeVonta Smith/Saquon Barkley Eagles receivers combined for five targets and 15 yards, with Calcaterra the only other receiver who received multiple targets. Dallas Goedert was missed today. Neither Calcaterra nor the others look like players we’re trying to get into our lineups in Week 3 against the Rams.

Confusingly, No. 3 Dotson drew as many looks as DeVonta Smith and two more than A.J. Brown. He led the team in receiving, with his roasting of Kaiir Elam 1-on-1 for a 51-yard gain going down as the game’s longest play. The solid performance confirmed training camp buzz that Dotson was the unquestioned No. 3 wideout, but he’s still going to remain the fourth or fifth option in the passing game more weeks than not. That includes Week 2 against the Chiefs.

A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (groin) have both missed time in training camp, affording Dotson the opportunity to catch passes “in bulk.” The Eagles’ No. 3 wide receiver reportedly “had a great close to camp” after a “quiet start.” Kempski is now the second beat reporter this month to suggest that Dotson will contribute more than he did last year, though Dotson set the bar quite low. If Brown, Smith and Dallas Goedert are on the field, fantasy managers should not expect Dotson to reliably produce. He could return flex value if Brown and Smith’s soft tissue injuries remain an issue in-season, though, and No. 4 WR Johnny Wilson (knee/ankle) is set to undergo season-ending surgery.

Well, it would be hard to contribute less than 19 catches for 216 yards over a full season, folks! Kubena believes Dotson’s advancement is “notable” and that the ball skills that made him a 2022 first-round pick are “showing up more” in his first full training camp in Philadelphia. We’re not expecting the Eagles to be invested in feeding Dotson after declining his fifth-year option, but it certainly would make sense for him to do better than he did in 2024.