Both starting rookies, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy had a case of the dropsies. Chaz Schilens, the most polished wide receiver on the roster, was out for the majority of the season.
This year, Oakland's group looks young, promising, and most importantly healthy.
There should be a big competition at the wide receiver position, but the question is, who starts?
The three main candidates are Chaz Schilens, Louis Murphy, and 2009's seventh overall selection, Darrius Heyward-Bey.
First, let's take a closer look at these players.
Chaz Schilens
Chaz was drafted in the seventh round by the Raiders in 2008.
At 6'4 and 225 pounds, his 4.33 speed is no doubt an eye popper. Schilens is known to be the Raiders' best route-runner and is a solid deep threat with his combination of height and speed.
Chaz has seen limited action as a Raider, but he expects to be 100 percent this year, barring and unforeseen injury. He broke out in the last game of the season, hauling in eight passes for 99 yards.
Expectations are high for this fan favorite.
Darrius Heyward-Bey
Darrius was surprisingly drafted high by the Raiders in 2009's draft at seventh overall.
It was universally criticized, and the media made an all-out attack on the poor kid. ESPN even went as far as laughing at him while interviewing him.
Al's infatuation with speed ended up in a possible reach. Heyward-Bey may have proved nay-sayers corrected when he could only surmount nine catches for 124 yards...in a season.
Still, DHB has the tools to be great. He is 6'2 and 220 pounds (bulked up 10 pounds this offseason) while running a 4.25 in the draft. This Maryland product has reportedly had a major breakthrough in his game, and is a favorite to ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
