My Michael Crabtree Blog

Well the 2009 NFL draft is over with and the Oakland Raiders sure made a lot of people including myself scratch their head. It is clearly evident that Al Davis values nothing more than speed when evaluating players. Sure, Darius Heyward-Bey ran the fastest 40 time at the combine but what does that really prove? The NFL is about so much more than pure speed (although it does help) and some of the best receivers in the game do not warrant the word "burner" being associated with them. First, I cannot for the life of me figure out why the Raiders passed on Michael Crabtree when he was sitting their right in their lap. Furthermore, if Davis REALLY wanted Heyward-Bey why didn't he trade down in the draft to get him?

Two principles are in question here. First is Mr. Davis' ability to properly evaluate talent at this stage of his life. Moreover, his managing of drafts is also under serious scrutiny after last weekends debacle. The Raider Nation is not happy I can tell you that. I am not knocking Heyward-Bey at all but he was the 5th or 6th ranked receiver on every one's board. Sure, he is fast but his hands are inconsistent at best.

Now, to his defense the NFL is a whole different animal and NOBODY knows how this will all work out over time. With Crabtree fittingly winding up across the Bay in SF the 2 rookie WR's will be compared to their entire careers. I am open minded about Heyward-Bey and now the Raiders have their version of the triplets set. We needed a big play receiver and now we have one and it will be up to Russell to get him the ball deep and accurately. I did see an interview on NFL Network and Heyward-Bey seems like a good kid who is ready to start working. It does concern me however that he mentioned that he has not talked to QB JaMarcus Russell yet.

Here is my take on the Raiders garbage draft:

2009 NFL Draft Picks:

7. Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

--Very limited production at Maryland to go with extremely inconsistent hands. Moreover, Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin were both on the board. Grade: F

47. Michael Mitchell, SS, Ohio

--I truly don't understand this pick. Oh wait a minute, yes I do. Mitchell ran a great 40 at the combine and that was enough for Al. This is absolutely a horrible pick. Mitchell was a sixth-round prospect at best and countless NFL executives had him pinned as an undrafted free agent. No solace in the fact that the Bears were apparently interested in Mitchell too. Hopefully this fires him up and turns him into a Pro Bowl player. Mitchell has to make multiple Pro Bowls for the Raider Nation to forget about this pick. Grade: F

71. Matt Shaughnessy, DE, Wisconsin

--Yet another total reach here by the Raiders. We need a defensive end, but similarly to Mitchell this guy was rated a 6th or 7th round prospect by most draft pundits. Time will tell but one has to wonder if he will even make the team. Grade: F

124. Louis Murphy, WR, Florida

--Finally - a player who isn't a reach. Good pick and ideally both him and Heyward-Bey produce this year. Any Gator is great value in the 4th round. Grade: B+

126. Slade Norris, OLB, Oregon State

--Very limited production at Oregon State and yet another head scratcher. There was much better talent still on the board. Grade: F

199. Stryker Sulak, DE, Missouri

--Nice pick here and Sulak is better than Shaughnessy that was drafted rounds before. Sulak is a quick pass-rusher who I expect to make the team and to contribute this year. Grade: B+

202. Brandon Myers, TE, Iowa

--His 40 time was lacking making you wonder if Al had left to go play bingo for the day. Grade: C

Overall Draft Grade: D-

Time will tell how this all plays out but the Raider Nation is not happy with Al and that is unusual because historically Raider fans have not questioned his judgment. These are different times in Raider land however and when you have a team that has not been competitive in years patience starts to wear thin. And after a draft like this patience is as thin as I can ever remember.

Chris Limburg is the fanatical purveyor of Gothicfootball.com: A Oakland Raider/fantasy football blog that provides commentary on everything that is the NFL and fantasy football. Visit today at: [http://www.gothicfootball.com]