The Raiders brought 15 players to their rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. Per general manager Reggie McKenzie’s policy, those guys remain anonymous. Except, of course, those who left the three-practice session with a contract.
A select few earned the right to compete for a 53-man roster spot, however unlikely the odds might be.
The team announced on Monday afternoon that they signed six tryout participants following the minicamp.
The Raiders signed running back Michael Dyer (Louisville/Auburn), guard Mitch Bell (Louisiana Tech), cornerback Travell Dixon (Washington), cornerback SaQuan Edwards (New Mexico), defensive end Gary Wilkins (Furman) and receiver Austin Willis (Emporia State).
Deals for undrafted free agents are not guaranteed beyond minimal signing bonuses.
[RELATED: Raiders undrafted free agent signings]
Dyer is the best-known player on this list. He was a star underclassman at Auburn, when he set a freshman rushing record and helped the Tigers win a national title in 2010. He also played well as a sophomore, before being suspended before a 2011 season bowl game for violating team rules. He transferred to Arkansas State and then to Arkansas Baptist College but never played at those schools. He played the 2013 and ‘14 seasons at Louisville, but was ruled academically ineligible before last year’s bowl game.
Dyer had a decent showing at the NFL combine, but went undrafted. The Raiders will give him a shot to make the squad, though it’ll take an extraordinary effort to do so.
The Raiders waived six players as corresponding transactions. Cornerback Chance Casey, who played two games for Oakland in each of the last two seasons, is among the casualties. The Raiders also parted with running back Terrance Cobb, running back Gus Johnson, defensive back Vernon Kearney and Braylon Mitchell. They also waived-injured receiver/return man Jeremy Gallon.
