Report: Ramel Keyton agrees to UDFA deal with Las Vegas Raiders

Former Tennessee wide receiver Ramel Keyton has agreed to an undrafted free agent deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, per Tom Pelissero. Pelissero did not provide the financial details of the contract.

Keyton spent all five seasons of his collegiate career with the Volunteers. In the 2023 campaign, Keyton started all 13 games, tallying career-highs of 35 receptions, 642 yards and six touchdowns. Keyton’s six touchdown receptions were the most on the team and the 10th-most in the SEC.

Keyton also averaged 18.3 yards per catch, the third-most in the conference. The 6-foot-3 standout recorded his first-career 100-yard receiving game on Senior Day in Tennessee’s victory over Vanderbilt, notching four catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns.

In 55 career games at Tennessee, Keyton caught 86 passes for 1,456 yards and 11 touchdowns. He declared for the NFL Draft on Jan. 6 with a heartfelt message to fans.

“First, I want to thank God for all of the blessings and the position He has put me in, I am nothing without Him,” Keyton wrote. “To my family and friends, thank you for the unconditional love and support. To my coaches, thank you for your guidance and challenging me to become a better player, teammate, and person.

“To my teammates, thank you for embracing me and pushing me to play at a higher level every day. And lastly to Vol Nation, thank you for being the best fan base out there, I’ll cherish every moment of my time here for life.”

Ramel Keyton played high school football at Marietta (GA), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 94 overall recruit in the 2019 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Ahead of the draft, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein provided an in-depth review of Keyton’s potential at the next level.

“Linear receiver with good size but several holes to fill to be a “make-it” prospect at the next level,” Zierlein wrote. “Keyton played all five seasons at Tennessee, with the bulk of his production landing over the last two seasons. He’s not bad getting off of press coverage, but he’s a build-up runner lacking early acceleration. His route-running and ball skills will need a serious upgrade.”

Keyton will look to make those upgrades with the Las Vegas Raiders. The team went 8-9 last season, finishing second in the AFC West. The Raiders’ leading receiver was Davante Adams, who amassed 1,144 receiving yards.