Darrius Heyward-Bust?

By: Jake

With the 7th pick in the 2009 NFL draft, the Oakland raiders select….. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Wide receiver, University of Maryland. These are the words that shocked the NFL nation on Saturday evening as the Raiders elected the speedy, not so sure handed wide receiver from Maryland instead of the proven, sure handed Michael Crabtree.

With this pick, the few people who doubted that Al Davis was a senile old man were now convinced. Heyward-Bey was projected by many to be a mid to late 1st round pick because of his hands and injury concerns because of his small 6’ 2” 206 lb frame was a shock to everyone, as many expected Davis to pick either Crabtree or Maclin. However, when you really think about it, it makes sense. Al Davis believes that the NFL is basically a track meet for WRs, so many should have been expecting this. However, most people were expecting that Davis’ advisors could convince him that Bey would be an awful pick, especially at the 7th pick.

As for the WR’s prospects in the NFL, things don’t look too promising as the Raiders failed to select any offensive linemen to protect Jamarcus Russell and give him time to get the ball to Bey downfield. On top of that, they basically already have a Heyward Bey clone in another wide receiver with three names, Johnnie Lee Higgins, who lead the team in receptions as a WR with 22 and 366 yards. Zach Miller is the raiders only bright spot as he did catch 56 passes last year for just over 750 yards.

In conclusion, Darrius Heyward-Bey as the 7th overall pick….. Get outta here.