Giants Targeting Heyward-Bey

The Giants appear to be targeting receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey with their first round pick now according to the Daily News, who cite two unnamed sources familiar with the Giants’ plans.

New York would need to trade up to select the 6’2”, 210lb receiver from Maryland.  There have been mock drafts that have him flying off the draft board early to Oakland, who holds the seventh pick in the draft.  It’s a longshot Heyward-Bey will go that early, though.  Heyward-Bey could go to teams such as the Jets (17th pick), Eagles (pick 21), Vikings (pick 22), Dolphins (pick 25), Ravens (pick 26), or the Colts (pick 27).

Heyward-Bey ran a 4.3 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, the best speed of any prospect this year.  The only receivers to post better times in the 40-yard dash are Rondel Melendez (4.24), Jerome Mathis (4.28), and Yamon Fingurs (4.3), according to TopEndSports.  40 yard dash times don’t exactly translate to success in the NFL, but it’s always something interesting to look at.

Heyward-Bey’s biggest strength is clearly his speed, his strength at running the reverse, and his ability to separate himself from defensive backs, but critics have said he needs to work on his route running skills.  There seems to be some concern as to whether or not he may just be a workout warrior, similar to Troy Williamson in the 2005 draft.

Last season Heyward-Bey posted 42 receptions for 609 yards with 5 touchdowns in 12 games for Maryland.