Oakland Raiders: Biggest takeaways from Week 1 of OTAs
Don’t Sleep on Wide Receiver Keelan Doss
It’s rare that an undrafted free agent generates significant buzz before a standout performance during OTAs or training camp. Keelan Doss has already drawn high praise from Gruden and Senior Bowl executive Jim Nagy.
Generally, Gruden moves his wide receivers across the formation, inside and outside. We can expect to see the same next season. He’s already talked about using rookie fifth-rounder Hunter Renfrow on the outside. Doss would likely have to earn a role on special teams, but Gruden values his attributes as a wide receiver.
“Yeah, we coached Doss in the Senior Bowl and really liked him,” Gruden said. “I think he’s smart. He’s athletic and he’s got size and I think he’s going to be able to compete on special teams, as well. Plus he’s from Alameda, so we had to get Doss.”
At 6’2″, 211 pounds, Doss isn’t a burner with uncanny speed, but he can line up in the slot and establish position against smaller nickelbacks. On the outside, the UC-Davis product can use his route-running skills and soft hands to move the chains. Regardless of his pre-snap position, the big-body wideout will battle for contested catches. Nagy compared him to Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen.
“The player he reminds of is Keenan Allen,” Nagy said to Scott Bair. “That’s really high praise. You don’t just throw player comparisons out there. It’s rare with NFL teams. Everything has to line up, and I really feel like he’s a good comp for Keenan Allen.”
Doss could push Ryan Grant, Marcell Ateman and JJ Nelson for a back-end roster spot through the summer. Ultimately, a combination of high football IQ, an NFL-ready body frame and crisp routes could lead to his rise on the depth chart.