The Battle to Be No. 1: Chaz Schilens vs. Darius Heyward-Bey

This year is probably one of the most important position battles is at WR.

The obvious candidate for the No. 1 spot is Darius Heyward-Bey.  While, like any rookie, DHB has struggled to adapt to NFL play, another clear favorite has emerged in Chaz Schilens.  

Both of these young players create dangerous weapon for JaMarcus Russell,  but who will win out in the search for the Raiders No. 1?

Darius Heyward-Bey

At 6'2'', 210 pounds, he is quite the athlete.  Has played multiple sports including football, basketball, and track.

At his combine and pro day, he put up awesome numbers, a 4.27-40 (though it's alledgedly been clocked as 4.22), a 40-inch vertical leap, 16 bench reps, 10'6'' broad jump, 4.18 on the 20-yard shuttle, and a 6.8 on his three-cone drill.

With these numbers, he is not only very fast but is, by many, considered the best "jump ball" receiver in the draft.

He uses his strength well to beat the jam and break away from defenders, though I think he will struggle at first against press coverage at the NFL level. 

He also has the agility to make plays down field, and the vision to follow blocks and make yards after the catch.

But not everything is positive for DHB, he has a few negatives too.

His toughness going across the middle of the field is questionable.  He is also said to be a one-trick pony, and he struggles to create consistent separation out of his cuts.

Chaz Schilens   

At 6'4'', 225 pounds, Chaz Schilens may be an even more impressive WR on paper than DHB.

At his combine and pro day, he also put up impressive numbers—a 4.38-40,  a 43-inch vertical 10'4'' broad jump, a 4.25 shuttle, and a 6.84 three-cone drill.

Also, a few advantages Schilens has over DHB is the fact he already has a year with this team under his belt, and the fact he had an amazing mini camp, where he was reported to be the most impressive WR on the team.

Also, Schilen measurables are strangely similar to that of Calvin Johnson Similar height and weight and identical 40s and vertical leap.

But like DHB, not everything with Chaz Schilens is positive either.

He has battled injuries all throughout his college career and was even questionable for the Raiders week 17 game against Tampa Bay.

Also due mainly to injury, he was never able to put up big numbers at San Diego State.

These are not the only player competing for the job either other possible winners in this competition are Johnie Lee Higgins, and less likely, Javon Walker, or Sammie Parker.

But, what ever happens and whoever ends up being the No. 1 reciever, I hope the best for them.