The Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles pulled off a rare intra-division trade on Thursday when former first-round pick Jahan Dotson was sent to Philadelphia alongside a fifth-round pick in the 2025 draft in exchange for a third-round pick and two seventh-round picks from the 2025 draft. In just four seasons, the Eagles have upgraded their top three receivers from Jalen Rageor, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, and Travis Fulgham to A.J. Brown, Devonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson -- all former first-round talents. From a Fantasy Football standpoint, this trade could have an impact on the value of multiple players depending on where Dotson plays on the Eagles and how the Commanders change their 11 personnel package.
Starting with Dotson, he has played about 55% of his snaps in the slot and 45% as an outside receiver since joining the Commanders. However, in 2023, he played just 60% of his snaps out wide. Where the Eagles envision Dotson playing is the most important aspect of this trade from a Fantasy standpoint because Kellen Moore was hired to coordinate this offense. Last season, Moore coordinated the Chargers offense and turned slot receiver Keenan Allen into one of the most valuable assets in Fantasy. The slot position in a Kellen Moore offense is highly valuable. We've heard whispers that Devonta Smith has manned the slot more often in training camp and it has since made him a favorite value pick of mine this draft season. That would change if the Eagles feel more comfortable with Dotson on the inside in 11 personnel (three-receiver sets).
Dotson played over 83% of his snaps at Penn State as an outside receiver, so the Eagles may envision that role for him. If he does line up as their primary slot, however, he becomes a late-round flier that I will be investing in as a priority. That's how important this role is in Moore's offense. Smith played over 80% of his snaps on the outside at Alabama and has seen just 11.7%, 25.1%, and 30.8% of his snaps in the slot since joining the Eagles.
Before we crown Dotson a screaming value, I'd like to point you to this alarming trend, courtesy of Jacob Gibbs:
There's a non-zero chance Dotson is an NFL bust and the Eagles may find that out soon.
I am not downgrading Smith yet, Brown's rank remains the same, but Dotson should fare better regardless of where he plays in this offense since he was set for a rotational role on the Commanders.
Speaking of the Commanders, things get very interesting now for two potential sleepers -- third-round rookie draft pick Luke McCaffrey and former mid-round pick Dyami Brown. McCaffrey has an opportunity now to earn the full-time slot role in this offense. Though not as extreme as playing the slot in a Kellen Moore offense, there is a lot of opportunity as a slot in Kliff Kingsbury's scheme. McCaffrey was a favorite of mine as a Dynasty player after dominating against zone coverage at the collegiate level with a natural feel having converted from quarterback to receiver. He's a last-round draft pick with upside that I have moved into my shortlist for draft day. Brown was a vertical threat at UNC and he shined in the first preseason game as a true outside receiver (catching a long pass from Jayden Daniels). While I like his talent, the opportunity concerns me and he is best left undrafted.