An un-named Raider’s official said Friday that preliminary talks with reps of the players that Oakland selected in April’s NFL draft have already been held even though none of those players have been signed.   The official did say that he expects all of the drafted rookies to be signed and ready to report to training camp July 29 in Napa and on on the field for the first practice July 30th. 

The team solidified their relationship with agent Tom Condon through tough off-season negotiations that resulted in record settings deals for punter Shane Lechler and CB Nnamdi Asomugha.   Condon represents the Raiders first round pick Darrius Heyward-Bey, so there should not be an issue reaching a deal with him soon.  Heyward-Bey is expected to recieve around $20 million guaranteed based on last years #7 pick, New OrleansDT Sedrick Ellis.  Also promising is the fact that Oakland had no problems signing last years first-round pick Darren McFadden, so look for deals to be reached soon. 

Few other NFL teams have made much headway with their draft picks at this point as well, so there is not yet reason to think that this years Raider’s draft class will not reach deals soon.  Next week will be when things start heating up for most teams.  The Raiders historically wait until the week that training camp starts to finalize contracts with drafted rookies.. Stay tuned to RaidersGab for developing news..