Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Functional athletic limitations show up against vertical routes – his 4.59 forty time isn't just a combine number, it's visible when trying to recover downfield.
• Displays noticeable hip tightness when forced to flip and run, creating separation windows particularly against double moves and sharp breaks.
• Tackling technique runs hot and cold – sometimes wraps cleanly, other times resorts to ankle-biting that NFL runners will exploit.
• Gets caught with hungry eyes in the backfield, occasionally abandoning coverage responsibilities while hunting for turnover opportunities.
• Lacks desired play strength to consistently reroute NFL-caliber receivers – gets bumped off his spot too easily at contact points.

Scouting Report: Summary

Dotson thrives in zone coverage where his exceptional ball skills and route recognition can shine, particularly in systems that allow him to keep plays in front while reading the quarterback's eyes. His film reveals a corner with natural instincts for jumping routes and creating turnovers when playing forward. The incredible five pick-sixes weren't luck – they demonstrate legitimate vision and burst with the ball in his hands. Deploying him in pattern-matching zones maximizes his strengths while minimizing exposure to his average long speed and hip tightness issues.

What jumps off the tape is the stark contrast between his elite ball production and his inconsistent tackling technique. When breaking on passes, Dotson displays natural hands and precise timing, yet his approach to bringing down ball carriers lacks the same refinement. He projects initially as a valuable sub-package player in defensive schemes that emphasize zone principles and turnover creation. His length and boundary skills suggest developmental upside beyond just a rotational role, though he'll need to improve his functional strength to consistently handle NFL receivers at the line of scrimmage.

Dotson falls into the category of cornerbacks whose playing style and production outpace their raw athletic testing. His initial NFL impact will come in specific packages that leverage his ball skills and route recognition while protected from consistent vertical challenges. Defensive schemes emphasizing quarters coverage or Cover 2 principles will benefit most from his skill set. While he may not develop into an every-down player against the league's elite speed, his playmaking instincts, length, and football character make him worth developing.