'He's Like Dotson': Commanders WR Mitchell Tinsley Compared to Top Rookie

The Washington Commanders signed Mitchell Tinsley, who replaced Jahan Dotson in Penn State's offense this past season.

The Washington Commanders really like what they saw in Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson.

They enjoyed him so much that they basically signed his replacement in undrafted free agency, Mitchell Tinsley.

Tinsley transferred to Penn State this past season from Western Kentucky to play in the slot, a role which was vacated by Dotson after he came to the Commanders.

To learn more about Tinsley, we spoke with All Penn State publisher Mark Wogenrich.

1. Mitchell Tinsley caught 51 passes for 577 yards and five touchdowns at Penn State this season. Were you surprised to see him go undrafted? 

Definitely. Tinsley didn’t have the explosive playmaking potential of Penn State teammate Parker Washington, who was drafted despite missing the last three games of the season and the NFL combine because of an injury, but in my opinion, was a better all-around receiver. Tinsley succeeded at each stage in college, from JC to Western Kentucky to Penn State, and I thought had turned himself into a Day 3 pick. 

2. What are his biggest strengths? 

Hands. I don’t remember Tinsley overtly dropping a ball that he should have caught. Like his Penn State predecessor Jahan Dotson, Tinsley converts third downs because his hands seldom let him down. He also runs precise routes, can play across the field and is comfortable going across the middle. He didn’t shy from contact and also has some value on special teams. 

3. What are his biggest weaknesses?

I’m not sure he has weaknesses so much as limitations. Tinsley isn’t going to outrun cornerbacks in man coverage or outrun safeties to the end zone. Washington didn’t sign him to be a deep threat. He’s a supplemental receiver who has limitations. But he can cloak them with his hands and professionalism. 

4. Is there an NFL player that reminds you of Tinsley? 

In some ways he’s like Dotson (reliable hands and sure route-runner without great size) but doesn’t have the depth of Dotson’s playmaking ability. Or maybe that’s because Tinsley wore No. 5 after Dotson at Penn State. Ultimately, he’ll likely be known as a Possession Receiver, which still can lead to a long NFL career. 

5. What is the best-case scenario for Tinsley's career? 

To follow in Hunter Renfrow’s path. Dotson at Penn State was an all-timer, a dominant receiver was underrated next to Ohio State’s talent. Perhaps expectations were higher for Tinsley after an 87-catch junior year at Western Kentucky, though that offense did little else but throw. Tinsley had a good year at Penn State, but most of those 51 receptions were of the possession variety. Again, though, being a reliable possession receiver in the NFL can get one a second contract.

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