Heyward-Bey And A Deadly Recieving Corps?

At this point, you have heard the criticism of the Oakland Raiders No. 7 overall pick. As a fan, at this point you are either on board or you're not.

When the commisioner made the announcement of Darrius Heyward-Bey, you can't deny your shock—maybe even anger. Most Raider fans initially were upset—some to the point of tears. It probably went a little something like this.

First is disbelief. You could've sworn that Rodger Goodell had mispronounced the name on the card. Then you realized that Heyward-Bey and Michael Crabtree sounded nothing alike.

A few hours later there was anger. How could Al Davis do this to a team that so far had so much potential?

The next day you watched a few YouTube videos then you realized that maybe this guy can play, but the Raiders still should have traded down.

On the third day you listened to all the critics such as ESPN and NFL Network giving us failing draft grades and then talk bad about our team. Now, it's about a week later and you find yourself not only liking the pick, but wanting him to succeed just to shut up the critics.

Well I expect Hey-Bey to succeed not only because of his physical skill set or even his work ethic, but because of the receivers he has around him.

I know what you're thinking, our receivers were border line horrible. Our leading receiver was Johnnie Lee Higgins with 22 catches for less than 400 yards. Well let me start with Higgins first.

This is a guy who truly struggled in his rookie year. He comes into year two and again struggles at Kick returner, yet shines as a punt returner. Then toward the middle and the end of the season made strides to be a dependable reciever for Jamarcus Russell. With Hey-Bey, Higgins can definitely become a formidable third down receiver.

Speaking of Darrius Heyward-Bey, one criticism of Jamarcus Russell is that he over throws receivers. Well a 4.3 runner could help that problem, but DHB is more than a deep threat.

Though he is considered "Raw," Heyward-Bey is a guy who can run quality routes. He also can take an end around or screen pass the distance. DHB gives the Raiders the ability to score on any down. Fourth round pick Louis Murphy also gives the Raiders this ability.

Next is probably the most intriguing receiver on the roster, Chaz Schillens.

Chaz Schillens truly has Randy Moss like measurables. At 6'4'' and 4.3 speed, he has quality hands and fights for the football. Schillens made an immediate impression to both Kiffin and Tom Cable. He had such a work ethic, he took WR Ronald Curry's spot on the depth chart.

Plagued by injury, Schillens couldn't show his true potential until the last two weeks of the season. Hey-Bey may be the Raider's new first round toy, yet Schillens could be our No. 1 guy come 2009.

Notice I haven't even mentioned Javon Walker. He truly has a lot to prove and a tough road ahead.

Walker is the definition of the wild card of the Raider's receiving corps. Reports say that he is not being seen at the team facility and his health is very much still an issue. Walker is now apart of a receiving corps that is hungry for playing time. Two themes amongst these new receivers is speed and work ethic.

That does'nt look too good for Walker who has bad knees and ankle, and has been openly criticized about his work ethic.

I don't see Walker being a factor in '09. He may be getting a pay check from Big Al, but expect Walker to be faded out.

Oh, and I almost forgot....did I mention Zach Miller?