The Oakland Raiders have signed LB Dakota Allen off the Rams practice squad.
The Rams drafted the linebacker out of Texas Tech late in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Allen shined for the Rams in August, recording 22 tackles over four games. He quickly became a fan-favorite and was one of the most talked-about Rams rookies in training camp.
The team’s decision to cut Allen came as a surprise to many. Allen was arguably the most impressive inside linebacker for the Rams’ this summer. At such a thin position, it had felt like he earned a roster spot and might even get a chance to contribute in the regular season. Allen may finally have that opportunity with the Raiders.
Allen’s journey to the NFL was an unconventional one. After a breakout freshmen season at Texas Tech, Allen was charged with second-degree burglary and was dismissed from the program. He then transferred to Eastern Mississippi Community College and was featured in the second season of the Netflix documentary series Last Chance U. Allen’s rehabilitation at EMCC went so well that he actually transferred back to Texas Tech following the season. He was selected to an All-Big 12 team in his final two seasons with the Red Raiders.
Allen and the Oakland Raiders travel to Indianapolis this Sunday to take on the Colts.
