SEATTLE – Keon Hatcher hadn’t scored three touchdowns in a game since high school. He picked a good time to repeat that performance.
The first-year Raiders receiver punctuated his preseason with eight catches for 128 yards and three touchdowns in Thursday’s 30-19 preseason victory over the Seahawks.
It’s still hard to envision Hatcher making the 53-man roster in an ultra competitive position group without many available spots, but he put out some solid game tape.
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“Keon has done a great job and tonight he did himself a great service,” quarterback EJ Manuel said. “Whether it’s with the Raiders or another team, I think his body of work has helped him out. Tonight was a huge exclamation point for him.
“He has put in hard work, and doesn’t get the praise some of the other receivers get because he’s younger and an undrafted guy. I’m really happy for him.”
Hatcher wasn’t just a one-game wonder this preseason. He had several acrobatic catches during training camp and flashed speed and an ability to high point the football.
The Arkansas product went undrafted in 2017 but signed with the Raiders shortly after. He impressed enough to earn a practice squad spot, though Isaac Whitney was promoted over him near last season’s end. The Raiders value his ability and worked to develop him this offseason. He kept grinding despite not playing much with top units. He only had two preseason catches entering Thursday’s game, but ended his preseason on a positive note. He scored from 45, 19 and 22 yards out, with his longest coming after refusing to go down while being tackled.
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That tenacity surely impressed head coach Jon Gruden.
“Keon Hatcher…what can you say about that kid?” Gruden said. “He’s a great story, and he put himself in position to make this team, not only as a receiver but as a special teams performer.”
That will be key, because the Raiders need a second gunner in punt coverage opposite Dwayne Harris. He can fill that role if required, but is still in great jeopardy of being waived Saturday when rosters trim to 53. Amari Cooper, Jordy Nelson, Martavis Bryant, Dwayne Harris and Seth Roberts are locks to make the team, but Hatcher will be considered along with Johnny Holton and Marcel Ateman should the Raiders add a sixth receiver.
“It’s very important to show what you’ve got, show what you can do to the Raiders and the other 31 teams,” Hatcher said. “It’s important to put it all out on tape. Hopefully people saw some things they like. Hopefully I’m here, on the team.”