Darius Heyward-Bey is no JaMarcus Russell
Written by Travis Pulver, Thursday May 27 2010
Since getting cut from the Oakland Raiders recently, JaMarcus Russell has been referred to as one of the biggest draft busts in recent history. After pulling in only nine catches in eleven games last year, Darius Heyward-Bey could be next.
Heyward-Bey was drafted by the Raiders with the 7th pick in the 2009 draft when many thought that Michael Crabtree or Jeremy Macklin were easily better receivers. When Al Davis saw that 4.25 40-yard dash-time on the 6’ 1 ½” 210 pound receiver he did not care what the experts thought and he grabbed the Maryland Terrapin.
In his three year college career, Heyward-Bey 138 balls for 2089 yards and 13 touchdowns, all among the best marks in school history for a Maryland wide receiver.
With Jason Campbell in and JaMarcus Russell out, the Raiders passing attack—and especially Heyward-Bey—is expected to be much better in 2010 than they were in 2009. After a stellar practice on Wednesday, head coach Tom Cable raved about his sophomore wide receiver.
"I don't think there's any question, Darrius was really on today…I thought a lot of things went into that. The quarterbacks threw him a lot of balls on time. He caught the ball well, made a move with it after the catch, which was most impressive. That was a very good day for him." (PFT)
The Raider passing game will have plenty of room to grow in 2010. In 2009 it ranked 29th in the NFL averaging less than 160 yards a game.
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2 comments
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Wide receivers can't be stars without at least a capable QB; I agree that with Campbell the Raiders have at least that.
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The Raiders have upgraded their entire offense by bringing in Jason Campbell to replace JaMarcus Russell! The passing game will be much improved, trust me! I am a lifelong Washington Redskins fan and watched Campbell play. He is no Hall Of Famer, but the kid can play QB in the NFL and win if given talent to work with, he was never given that in Washington, Raider fans will like him! I'm rooting for him to make the most of this opportunity!