Word on the Street: Raiders Still Heart Darrius Heyward-Bey

Last week, NFL Network's Mike Mayock had the Raiders drafting Darrius Heyward-Bey with the seventh overall pick. Not because he thought Heyward-Bey was one of the seven-best players in the draft, or even a top-3 wide receiver. But because Al Davis loves speed. Former Raiders executive Mike Lombardi also had Heyward-Bey going to Oakland for the same reason.

It's easy say Mayock and Lombardi are overstating their case, maybe in an effort to separate themselves from the millions of other mock drafts we're subjected to. But a quick glance at Davis' recent draft history suggests that Heyward-Bey is hardly a stretch, even at No. 7. Last season, Darren McFadden was taken fourth overall, and Fabien Washington and Michael Huff were drafted in back-to-back drafts starting in 2005.

Despite Davis' track record, Oakland Tribune's Jerry McDonald isn't completely convinced. Although I suspect he -- like the rest of us -- wouldn't be shocked if it happened, either:

"I remain skeptical. Sounds a lot like the knee-jerk, 'Al will take the fastest guy available' reaction, with Heyward-Bey having run a 4.25 40-yard dash at the combine." McDonald adds, "Heyward-Bey would be an intriguing option if the Raiders traded back and gained an additional pick or two, but it looks like a major reach at No. 7."

And that's the consensus, I think: Heyward-Bey has "upside" (the most overused word this time of year, just ahead of "smokescreen"), but he's not a top-10 selection. That's the point, though: Davis is unconventional and if he thinks Heyward-Bey gives JaMarcus Russell the best chance to throw 80-yard passes, then he'll take him.

McDonald thinks that if Oakland take a wideout at No. 7 it'll be Jeremy Maclin, which is also what the Dallas Morning News' Rich Gosselin is predicting in his final mock draft.

Then there's this: Pro Football Talk has some draft-day "word on the street" news: Oakland is still in the Heyward-Bey business. If we were talking about any other organization, I'd summarily dismiss the thought. But, well, it's the Raiders. At this point, I'd almost be surprised if they didn't take him.