By all accounts, the Oakland Raiders dominated the 2019 draft. The team could have as many as four rookies start in the first game of the season against the Denver Broncos.
However, one player that continues to stand out for Oakland is a player that wasn’t even drafted by the team; wide receiver Keelan Doss. Doss has been one of the most impressive rookies in the entire league. According to Pro Football Focus, Doss has the 22nd-highest grade from any rookie this season. Take a look at what the site had to say about the Raiders’ new receiver:
As an undrafted free agent out of UC Davis, Doss elected to stay in his home state to try and earn his way as an Oakland Raider. So far, Doss has shown he is every bit of a Gruden Grinder. Doss has been a short-pass receiver for the Raiders, with 11 of his 14 total targets being nine yards or less. On those targets, Doss has averaged 4.6 yards after the catch, showing solid after-the-catch ability. Doss is paving his way to a 53-man roster spot with two broken tackles, three explosive plays and two contested catches overall.
At this point in the preseason, it is a given that Doss will make the final 53-man roster for the Raiders. Now, it’s time to wonder if he will have a (big) role in the offense during this season.
With his size, speed and ability to win in the red zone, Doss could find his way into the lineup sooner rather than later. The former UC Davis has been awfully impressive so far.
