Keelan Cole, Jacksonville Jaguars
While Marvin Jones might be the most ambitious player on this list, Jaguars’ receiver Keelan Cole might be the most underrated. However, the former undrafted free agent has shown a lot of potential during his time in the NFL and could be a major contributor with a change of scenery.
Over his first two years in the league, Cole has appeared in all 32 games, starting 17. In that time he has caught 80 passes for 1,239 yards and four touchdowns. Cole was somewhat phased out of the offense in 2018, but shined in 2017 with 42 catches for 748 yards and three touchdowns. His 17.8 yards per reception was second in the league.
Despite starting 11 games in 2018, Cole was used sparingly behind other receivers such as Donte Moncrief, Dede Westbrook and D.J. Chark. With reports of Jacksonville potential “blowing up” their roster in 2019, Cole could be on the move. If so, he makes sense for the Raiders contract wise as he is owed just $645,000 in 2019 before being a restricted free agent. Oakland can add him for cheap and see how he performs. If it is at his 2017 level, then they can keep Cole for the long-term. If he struggles, it is a minimal risk for a team in need of talented receivers.
As for Cole’s receiving chops, the Kentucky Weslyan product had an extremely productive college career, which put him on the map following the 2017 NFL Draft. Over his four years at KWC, Cole caught 205 passes for 4,303 yards and 53 touchdowns.
As he began his NFL career Cole earned many fans among draft analysts including that of Hero Sports’ Zach Prosba. Prosba, who had watched Cole play at KWC, wrote:
Cole is the next great secret weapon to come out of Division II, and the first to do so from Kentucky Wesleyan. But as he continues to build up his name and play the way he has, he will be anything but a secret for much longer.
Cole is an absolutely play-maker and has proven time and time again he has the ability to break any game open. While just the preseason, he impressed during his rookie season by scoring a 97-yard touchdown in his first ever game.
97 YARD TOUCHDOWN #Jaguars
WR Keelan Cole has been one of the most impressive players during training camp.
Continuing it tonight. pic.twitter.com/RYffBGQqyX— Brian Chojnacki (@BroadcastingBri) August 11, 2017
Cole is a low-cost, high-upside kind of addition for the Raiders. He won’t cost much in terms of draft capital or cap space, and could give Oakland arguably the most talented receiver on their roster. As the Raiders look for big plays, the former Division II product could certainly be an option.
