Oakland Raiders first-round picks Darrius Heyward-Bey and Michael Huff were released Tuesday.
Neither met expectations, and the team deprived of draft picks was unable to create a trade market for either player.
The Raiders also released defensive end Dave Tollefson and re-signed cornerback Phillip Adams to a one-year deal.
Heyward-Bey was fifth on the team in receptions last season. The speedster ran a 4.3 40-yard dash before the 2009 draft and was selected seventh overall. He turned 26 in February and could be attractive as a bargain buy in free agency because of his deep speed.
Heyward-Bey started 53 games in four seasons with the Raiders. He had 140 receptions for 2,071 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Huff, 30, was also a seventh overall pick (2006) and played safety and cornerback for the Raiders last season. He was primarily a free safety until 2012, when he was moved to cover for injuries to starters Ron Bartell and Shawntae Spencer two weeks into the season.
A third veteran originally drafted by the Raiders in the top 10, inside linebacker Rolando McClain, is also a candidate to be released. He might remain on the roster until June 1.
McClain’s case is slightly complicated because he’s just 23 with some athletic upside, but hasn’t been productive on the field and has had multiple incidents that bring his “character” into question.