Oakland Raiders: 5 most compelling storylines to follow on Hard Knocks
By Justin Fried
2. Undrafted WR trying to catch on with hometown team
Everybody loves an underdog story part two — this time with a local flair.
UC Davis product Keelan Doss will be one of the many new faces in the Raiders wide receiver room, but he also could have one of the most interesting tales to tell. While all eyes will be on the offseason acquisitions of Antonio Brown, Tyrell Williams, and J.J. Nelson — among others — none have as compelling of a story as Doss.
Born in the home of the Raiders headquarters in Alameda, Doss decided to stay local for his college career attending the University of California, Davis. While at UC Davis, Doss set school records for touchdowns and all-purpose yards as he emerged as a legitimate prospect leading up to the 2019 NFL Draft.
light. Related Story. Oakland Raiders: 5 burning questions following the 2019 NFL Draft
However, despite most analysts projecting he would be selected in the mid-to-late rounds, Doss wound up going undrafted. And much like he has his entire life, he decided to stay local and sign on with the Raiders.
Doss is a savvy route-runner with reliable hands, albeit with a lack of breakaway speed and suddenness. Still, the pride of NorCal has a good chance of earning a spot as the fifth or sixth receiver if he can put together a strong training camp and preseason.
At the very least, a practice squad spot should be in the works. Expect “Hard Knocks” to be all over this hometown hero storyline while Doss tries to secure a roster spot.