Darrius Heyward-Bey SELECTED BY: Raiders Round 1 (7)

SI Grade 4.04 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter who posted 42/609/5 as a junior. All-Conference and All-America selection as a sophomore after career receiving totals of 51/786/3. Moved into the starting lineup as a freshman and posted 45/694/5.

POSITIVES: Game-breaking receiver with home run hitting speed. Quickly releases off the line into routes, immediately gets to top speed, and consistently displays the ability to run away from defenders. Can switch it on in one step, displays tremendous quickness in his all-around game, and makes a lot of acrobatic receptions with defenders draped on him. Easily adjusts to the errant throw, displays good eye/hand coordination, and is an agile pass catcher who gets vertical, extends skyward, and then pulls the pass from the air. Plays with good balance, body control, and effectively uses his frame to shield away opponents. Comes back to the quarterback to make himself an available target.

NEGATIVES: Has a thin frame and may struggle handling jams at the next level. Must give better effort as a blocker. Unnecessarily lets the pass get inside him at times. Was very spotty with his production last season.

ANALYSIS: Heyward-Bey has all the physical skills necessary to be game-breaking receiver at the next level. He comes off a disappointing junior campaign, yet if Heyward Bey physically matures and continues to develop his game, he will be a productive number one receiver at the next level.

PROJECTION: First Round