Howie isn't done

     The Eagles just added Jahan Dotson, gaining another excellent piece for next to nothing. All they lost was a fifth round pick and two seventh rounders in the 2025 draft. And to top it off, they received a fifth round pick as well. Dotson was a first rounder out of Penn State, drafted with their 16th pick. 

    This is a phenomenal pick up from Howie Roseman, and a horrible trade for the Commanders. You would think they would be able to pick up more than three late round picks for a first round receiver who has proven potential. The Ealges gained a player who is a top tier WR 2 for their WR 3 spot. With Terry McLaurin as the obvious WR 1, the WR 2 battle will be ugly. It will likely be between Martavis Bryant, ex- Eagle Olamide Zaccheaus, and Byron Pringle. 

    Dotson's production in his first two years hasn't been great. Washington was likely looking at Dotson's disappointing stats when making their decision. Hw only caught 59 percent of his targets last season, 57.4 his rookie season. Comparatively, DeVonta Smith caught 69.9 percent of his passes his sophmore year, and 61.5 percent his rookie season. For the most part, Dotson also declined in his second year. He played 12 games in 2022, catching 35 balls for 523 yards and seven touchdowns. Not bad at all. In 2023 Dotson played 17 games and had 49 receptions, but gained only 518 yards and four touchdowns. His numbers fell despite playing more games in 2023. 

Dotson has some questions to answer

   Photo Credit: Bleacher Report

    At the same time there are plenty of excuses the Eagles could deploy. The most glaring reason being the Commanders' horrendous quarterback room. Dotson was thrown into the deep end as a rookie and never had a consistent QB tossing him passes. In his first year, he had Carson Wentz, a rookie Sam Howell, and Taylor Heinicke. In his sophomore year, Sam Howell had a solid first half of the season, before imploding in the second half. Howell finished with 21 touchdowns, as well as 21 picks. That could easily explain Dotson's statistical fall. 

    The second (and best excuse) the Eagles have is the fact that Dotson is really a bonus. He isn't a boom or bust player, and they didn't spend a lot to get him. If Dotson's receiving woes are self-afflicted and not due to quarterback play, then it isn't a big problem. The Eagles picked up solid receivers in the draft, and also got Parris Campbell in the offseason. But if Dotson thrives then Philly got a steal. He has a good shot at becoming the player he was expected to be. 

    The Eagles wide receiver room was crazy good and now it is nothing short of elite. They have three big name players, and a handful of underrated rookies. Dallas Goedert is due for a big season, and Saquon Barkley is a reliable pass catching back. In other words, how can Jalen Hurts not have a 5,000 yard season?

The above photo was taken from a Bleacher Report article. Photo taken by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images. Image used for commentary.