The excitement surrounding Week 1 is unlike any other, and that is particularly true for rookies as they experience their first bit of NFL action that actually counts. 

And for Washington Commanders first-round pick Jahan Dotson, it is the beginning of a new chapter that he is eager to start. 

"It's exciting," Dotson said. "This is pretty much what I've worked for my whole life." 

Dotson, the No. 19 overall pick in this year's draft, looked the part of being one of the better young receivers in his class in OTAs and training camp. He lived up to his reputation of possessing a wide catch radius, and he has already developed a strong rapport with quarterback Carson Wentz. 

If it seems as if the weight of being an NFL player is not too much for Dotson to handle, it is because that reality has not quite hit him yet. After a conversation he had with Montez Sweat earlier this week, he expects that to change as he is driving to FedExField. 

"I'm used to being in college, and we're all on the bus together," Dotson said. "But when I'm driving to the stadium and it's just me in that car, my thoughts are probably gonna be everywhere." 

Dotson's preseason experience -- he played 53 snaps in the Commanders' first two games -- should help ease some of his nerves. That time, he said, was a good opportunity for get more in sync with Wentz and his teammates. He was only targeted twice, but he made both catches for 23 yards. 

But offensive coordinator Scott Turner did not need to see much from Dotson in the preseason to know that he is a uniquely talented player. 

Jahan has been great and the relationship between him and Carson has been great," Turner said. "You look at him interacting with the other receivers he's fit right into our group, and I expect him to have a really good season." 

Dotson is normally one to remain calm about bigger moments in his life, but he does expect to be nervous in the hours leading up to kickoff against the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, he also anticipates those butterflies to disappear once the game begins. 

"Once I get out there and get going, I'm just gonna be comfortable doing what I'm doing...and just being ready to make a play."

Here's a morning roundup of what the local and national media have to say about the Washington Commanders on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. All reports, rumors and conjecture are a reflection of the media conversation and are not endorsed or confirmed by the Washington Commanders.

The reports and deals expressed in this article have not been confirmed by Washington, nor do they reflect any insider information from anyone in the front office.

• The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about Brandon Scherff returning to FedExField.
• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier writes about what the analytics say about Carson Wentz.
• The Washington Time's Matthew Paras preview the Commanders' Week 1 matchup against the Jaguars.
• The Washington Time's Matthew Paras also writes about Carson Wentz learning to ignore his instincts and let go.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about Carson Wentz calling Washington's matchup against Jacksonville just another game.
• NBC Sports Washington's Bijan Todd writes about the Jaguars' defensive coordinator calling McLaurin "a 5-star" ahead of Week 1.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey reports on the Commanders' offensive weapons.
• The Athletic's Ben Standig and David Aldridge give their predictions and superlatives for the Commanders.
• The Washington Times' Matthew Paras looks at the third year jump Ron Rivera wants to see.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey writes about Curtis Samuel's mentality heading into Week 1.
• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier gives his take on the Commanders start to season.
• The Richmond-Times Dispatch's Michael Phillips gives his Commanders season preview.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about Antonio Gibson's desire to prove himself.
• The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala and Sam Fortier write about the Commanders' coverage and pass rush working together.

Check Out What's On Commanders.com:

• Practice report | Curtis Samuel 'ready to go' for Week 1
• 'Delayed, not denied': Jeremy Reaves grateful to earn roster spot
• Practice report | Ron Rivera 'fired up' for what Commanders can be in 2022
• Commanders vs. Jaguars preview | Washington prepares to take on two No.1 overall picks
• Washington Commanders announce captains for 2022 season
• Commanders MVP Mando is on a mission to one day save a life
• Commanders release Week 1 unofficial depth chart
• Hail Mail | Washington's tight ends set to play key role
• The future began in Fargo
• Commanders MVP Mando is on a mission to one day save a life
• Practice Report | Commanders begin preparation for Jacksonville
• Media roundup | Ron Rivera calls Ryan Kerrigan 'a guy that does things the right way'
• 'He's a freak': Cole Holcomb, Ron Rivera praise Milo Eifler for earning roster spot
• Commanders praise 'remarkable' progress from Armani Rogers
• Dax Milne eager to continue proving himself in Year 2
• Commanders announce inductees to 'Greatest Players' list
• 5 takeaways from Washington's initial 53-man roster