The Las Vegas Raiders are still looking to replace wideout Michael Gallup, who elected to hang up the cleats towards the end of July. Second-year Raider Kristian Wilkerson, who made the 53-man roster last season, is making his case to be Gallup’s replacement. Wilkerson’s position-mate D.J. Turner is making strides towards claiming Gallup’s now-former spot on the offense as well.
On Monday, Antonio Pierce, the Silver and Black’s head coach, gave both Wilkerson and Turner their flowers for the work they’ve put in up to this point.
“D.J. Turner’s really stood out,” Pierce noted in response to a question about the Raiders’ receiver group. “[Turner’s] made some plays down the field, some sweeps, handoffs. Kristian [Wilkerson] has had some moments.”
While both Wilkerson and Turner have their eyes on a bigger role in the offense, so does undrafted free agent Ramel Keyton.
During Saturday’s padded practice, Keyton put on a show as he hauled in five passes. Pierce was particularly impressed with the 23-year-old and let the media know exactly that on Monday.
“I asked [Edgar Bennett] the other day to start giving him some more reps with the 2s,” Pierce explained on the subject of Keyton. “Get [him] out of that younger guy group, see how he really competes with some of our other veteran players, and he’s done a good job.”
He’s had some catches – made some tough catches in traffic, but he’s had drops, too. He’s a rookie, so..”
Keyton followed up on Pierce’s endorsement by catching a touchdown on a deep ball during practice afterwards. As the days go on, the Tennessee alum continues to demand attention through his impressive play during training camp.
Ramel Keyton – From the Tennessee Volunteers to the Las Vegas Raiders
A five-year attendee of the University of Tennessee, Keyton finished his college career with 1,456 receiving yards on 86 catches with 11 touchdowns. His last two years at the school were his most prominent as he earned a starting role during these seasons.
In 2022, Keyton posted 18.1 yards per reception; the fifth-highest mark in the SEC. His senior year welcomed an even better number as he upped his yards per reception to 18.3; the third-highest in the SEC.
Keyton earned these numbers while going up against the best secondary talent college football had to offer. Some of his more-notable plays even came against eventual first-rounders such as Terrion Arnold.
Ramel Keyton vs. Terrion Arnold
Nice grab by Keyton for an explosive play #Raiders pic.twitter.com/fMSSHrv2Ku
— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) May 29, 2024
The Raiders’ UDFA was particularly impressive against Alabama, both in 2022 and 2023. Keyton totaled 78 yards on five receptions during the first of the two contests. He once again hauled in five passes during their next meeting, this time ending the game with 71 yards.
Despite Keyton’s best efforts, NFL teams didn’t believe the six-foot-three receiver did enough to warrant spending a draft pick on – but that’s the Raiders’ gain.
His [lack of] draft position shouldn’t worry Raider Nation, either; he isn’t the only receiver on Las Vegas’ roster who wasn’t selected in a draft. Jakobi Meyers, the counterpart of Davante Adams, entered the National Football League as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Five seasons later, all 32 teams are trying to figure out how they got Meyers wrong during the draft process.
Hopefully, Keyton leaves front offices feeling the same regret they feel for missing out on Meyers.
*Top Photo: Hannah Mattix/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
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