Del Rio Expects Conley, Melifonwu Contract Issues ‘to Be Resolved Shortly'

Raiders rookies have reported to Napa for some pre-training camp instruction. Gareon Conley and Obi Melifonwu are not among them.

This year's top draft picks remain unsigned as activity ramps up toward the first full-squad practice on Saturday. Every practice, meeting or moment of instruction is important for young defensive backs expected to make an immediate impact.

It is, however, still early in the season preparation process. Head coach Jack Del Rio isn't concerned about his first-round cornerback Conley or his second-round safety Melifonwu being away long term.

"These are issues that should get resolved shortly and they'll join the team," Del Rio said Tuesday in an interview with 95.7-FM The Game in San Francisco. "It's one of those situations where, years ago, ...those were issues. Holdouts could last the whole camp and into the season. The structure is in place now (with the NFL's rookie wage scale), and we expect these things to get resolved shortly and they'll be getting their work in."

There isn't much wiggle room in rookie contract negotiations these days, which is why just four NFL draft picks remain unsigned at this stage.

Conley's legal issues, however, could be considered complicating. The No. 24 overall pick was accused of sexual assault stemming from an April 9 incident in Cleveland.

The Cuyahoga County District Attorney's office has said the investigation is ongoing. Conley's lawyer did not return a call seeking comment.

There is no timetable to complete the process. Conley has maintained his innocence, and passed a lie detector test just before the draft. The Raiders have stood by their selection from the start, confident in their pre-draft research that Conley will be cleared of wrongdoing and be a productive member of the squad.

Del Rio said that's still the case several months later.

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