Was Darrius Heyward-Bey Worth the Risk?

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Many people are down on the Raiders draft. There is a good reason for this, as it appears most picks were reaches, and in most cases the the Raiders could have traded down and drafted the same player, or gotten that player is a different round.

The madness of Raider fans starts with Darrius Heyward-Bey. While I agree that they could have gotten him 15-20 picks later, this wasn't totally a bad choice.

Most GMs believed that outside of the top four our five picks, the next 30 were pretty equal. So many teams were only willing to trade up if they were afraid the person that fit the need would be gone when they got to draft.

The Raiders chances of trading down were greatly impaired with Sanchez being picked at five. The only person that was worth trading up for was Monroe. The teams that needed a left tackle had either already picked, or were going DE in round one-Buffalo- due to the depth in this class.

Other than Jacksonville, which picked Monroe, the next team that would have been looking at tackle, was Detroit at 20. I don't see them giving up the 33rd pick to get Monroe. So Jacksonville didn't have to get in the bidding battle, because there wasn't any competition. And now the Raiders are stuck at 7.

That being said, DHB was rated as the third best WR in this draft on most boards. But look at the offense that is going to be run in Oakland. It reminds me of Baltimore's Superbowl offense. Run, Run, and Run. And when the defenses start stacking the box, throw it deep for the big play.

While Maclin is fast, DHB is faster, not to mention taller. DHB also played in a pro style offense at Maryland. Maclin played in the spread which is all about get the ball to fast player in space. DHB is a fit for classic Al Davis offense. The major reason for Cable keeping the job was the belief in this system.

There are two major reasons why players are either busts or slow starters- They are either rushed into playing too early, or poor fit in scheme or position. In the Davis system a premium is put on the ability to stretch the field.

Crabtree really doesn't fit here. Although he has the potential to be a great receiver, he doesn't have the game breaking speed that the Davis system requires. If Davis was looking for that type of player, he probably would have given up his 1 to get Bolden.

Maclin would have been a fit, as he does have enough speed to stretch the field. I believe Maclin is a Bernard Berrian/Donnie Avery clone. Its all about speed. I don't see a whole lot of upside.

If you are looking for something more, than you have to risk more. Al Davis has stuck neck out trying to get something more than a Bernard Berrian. Maybe he gets lucky and gets a Roddy White. But, he could be the second coming of Ashley Lelie.

If DHB can keep his attitude straight, develop his game, and avoid the injury bug this could be the best pick Davis could have made.

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