NFL Fantasy Football 2011: Can Darrius Heyward-Bey Shed the Bust Label?

Last year Darren McFadden make the jump from bust candidate to NFL superstar. While Darrius Heyward-Bey won’t make nearly the transition into superstardom, can he at least do his part to shed the bust label?

Part of DHB’s problem was the fact that he was drafted earlier than most NFL Draft pundits thought he would go. Suddenly he was full of unnecessary pressure of being the seventh overall pick. Even though Michael Crabtree has yet to live up to his promise either, that hasn’t stopped the criticism.

Looking at the numbers, it would be easy to lave Heyward-Bey a bust. After catching nine passes for 124 yards and one touchdown as a rookie, DHB only progressed to 26 catches for 366 yards and a score in his second year.

Given the fact that he’s been missing practices for the Raiders, along with his past lack of production, I’m hesitant to either endorse DHB or draft him in fantasy leagues. I just couldn’t commit to a player with his question marks.

That said, he is a third-year receiver, which has been a magical year for many receivers in the past. Does DHB have what it takes to shed the bust label and join the third-year club? Though it doesn’t seem likely, I wouldn’t discount him completely. If he gets going I’ll be sure to seek him out on the waiver wire and give him a shot. If not, his chances could be running out.

Also check out:

2011 Fantasy Football QB Rankings
2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings - PPR
2011 Fantasy Football WR Rankings
2011 Fantasy Football TE Rankings
2011 Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
2011 Fantasy Football IDP Rankings

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