Michael Crabtree and Texas Tech Wide Receivers

Although I have to admit Michael Crabtree does have amazing hands, looking at WR's that have come out of Texas Tech and have struggled does provide for some interesting comparisons and add to the thought process in terms of how will Crabtree handle adjusting to the Pro Game? 

Looking back at recent WR's who have donned the Red Raider jersey since 2004.

2004- Jarrett Hicks 76 rec, 1177 yards, 13 TD’s

2005- Joel Filani 65 rec, 1048 yards, 8 TD’s

2006- Joel Filani 91 rec, 1300 yards, 13 TD’s

2007- Michael Crabtree 134 rec, 1962 yards, 22 TD’s

2008- Michael Crabtree 97 rec, 1165 yards, 19 TD’s 

Obviously you are going to score a lot of TD's in a pass heavy offense, especially when in two seasons you catch the ball 231 times, or a 13.5 avg yard per reception which isn't that remarkably high as a college player. 

Leach has had plenty of players put up the numbers. But is Michael Crabtree's perceived greatness tied to these numbers? Is the fact no Texas Tech WR since 2004 has adjusted to the NFL a concern?

With that said, it must be noted that Tech produced slot receiving extraordinaire Wes Welker in 2004.  However, when one looks at the recent history of Tech graduates, the undrafted receiver and current Patriots slot man must be considered the exception to the rule rather than the standard.

Even Welker's counterpart across the field in 2003, Carlos Francis, put up big numbers in Lubbock (69 rec, 1087 yards, 9 TD's), but struggled to produce in the NFL after being drafted in the Raiders in 2004.  He was released in 2007.

The biggest concern for San Francisco fans is whether or not Crabtree will be able to get off of press coverage. The Big 12 was exposed as a weak defensive league during the bowl games so most of Crabtree's numbers came against suspect defenses. In turn, defenses gave him a cushion every time he lined up. 

Was Al Davis more genius for seeing the negatives with Crabtree and the upside to Darrius Heyward-Bey and therefore picked DHB over Crabtree? 

Imagine putting Darrius Heyward-Bey in an offense like this or the USC Pro Style offense. What kind of numbers would he have put up in a high-powered offense with other playmakers? 

Would DHB playing in a better offense justify his lofty draft position? I believe so and Al will indeed have the last laugh.