Raiders sign nine to futures contracts

The Raiders offseason got started Tuesday as the team signed nine players to futures contracts.

The players will compete for a roster spot once training camp begins in July, something six of the nine players signed are familiar with after finishing the season on Oakland’s practice squad.

RB Terrance Cobb, WR Jeremy Gallon, LB Justin Jackson, DB Vernon Kearney, T Dan Kistler, G Lamar Mady, WR Seth Roberts, DT Kona Shwenke, CB Jansen Watson agreed to terms.

Of them all, Jeremy Gallon is the most intriguing.

The five-foot-eight Michigan receiver was drafted in the seventh round of the 2014 draft by the Patriots, but was unable to log any time with the team.

He ran a 4.49 40-yard-dash at his pro day, benched 15 reps of 225 pounds, and was All-State with his alma mater.

NFL.com’s initial draft analysis said:

“Stocky, strong slot receiver with more of a running back’s build, Gallon possesses the hands, zone awareness and toughness to fend for a job in the pros. Lacks the top-end speed desired as a kick returner, but shows enough burst to warrant an opportunity fielding punts.”

His measureables scream slot receiver, and that’s probably the job he’ll be competing for beyond special teams.

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