SB Nation Writers Mock Draft: Round 1, Pick #29

by Dan Kadar on Apr 7, 2009 3:00 PM EDT in SB Nation Writers Mock Draft

No. 29

NEW YORK
GIANTS
Pick by Big Blue View

Darrius Heyward-Bey
Wide receiver
Maryland

You know what I like about Big Blue View? Head man ETVal manages to thoughtfully incorporate supermodels into his posts. Lets see if he uses as much thoughtfulness explaining this selection.

To me, the selection of Maryland wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey for the New York Giants was a no-brainer. I couldn't type it and send it fast enough.

The Giants, as everyone knows, cannot count on having Plaxico Burress available for the 2009 season, or maybe ever again. Heyward-Bey has the blazing speed and playmaking ability to make that a moot point. I recognize that Heyward-Bey is a boom or bust risk, that many think his production will never match his physical tools. But, the upside of all of those physical tools combined with the need the Giants have made this an easy choice.

Had any of the USC linebackers still been available that might have given me pause. Same with North Carolina wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, who might be more polished right now and might be a 'safer' pick at wide receiver, but doesn't have the star potential of DHB.

With none of those guys left, this choice was easy to make.

MTD thoughts: For the sake of full disclosure, this pick was made before the Cutler trade and the Giants to keep it as is, instead of going with Percy Harvin. And I like it. The Giants have some small receivers already and need a big target. Good choice.

Mocking the Draft's Top Five Remaining Prospects - RB Chris Wells, DE Michael Johnson, WR Percy Harvin, OT Phil Loadholt, OT Eben Britton

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Comments

So, you like the super models, eh?

I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Also glad you like the DHB pick. I would have gone w/Hakeem Nicks (I think he is a safer pick, although maybe not with the upside), but he was gone. DHB is boom or bust. I think the Giants will survive if he is a bust, but if he becomes the player his athleticism says he could be, then you have a star on your hands.

by Ed Valentine on Apr 7, 2009 6:01 PM EDT reply actions

SInce Percey Harvin's on the board

I like him instead. He has shown in the combine that he has good hands. People complain that he’s small, but is 5"11 really that small?

Plus you can line him up all over the field, even let him take a few carries to spell bradshaw and Jacobs..

DHD is obviously bigger and can outleap Harvin. But the Giants are devoid of “playmakers” on offense, and Harvin is the definition of one. He is more like Reggie bush than anyone seems to let on. He is really not that small and can return punts too.

by FreeBradshaw on Apr 7, 2009 6:07 PM EDT reply actions

Free

We are also discussing this at BBV. I just don’t see the attraction w/Harvin. He’s small and he’s a tweener. Is he a receiver or a running back, and playing in that Florida offense what gives you the idea that he has the ability to be a big-time pro receiver. Couldn’t pass up the size and speed of DHB. How can a guy with 4.3 speed and good hands not be considered a playmaker? And, if your comparison for Harvin is Reggie Bush then I think you made my case that he isn’t a first-round pick.

by Ed Valentine on Apr 7, 2009 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions

OK

I was just saying Harvin is more of a playmaker cuz he’s done all kinds of crazy things. I think he’s a Reggie Bush clone, but more of a receiver. I don’t know that being like Reggie Bush means he’s not a first rounder, Chris Johnson is a Reggie Bush type player, and he was deserving of a 1st rounder. Harvin didn’t run his 40 as fast, but the guy was a blur in the SEC, that’s gotta count for something.

but yea, he’s really not the type of player for the Giants, especially with Gilbride as the OC. The Florida O was a bit gimmicky so he’s pretty raw.

All in all the way you explain it and the fact I remember Gilbride’s lack of imagination makes DHB the logical choice if the gints stay pat and the draft plays out this way.

by FreeBradshaw on Apr 7, 2009 8:52 PM EDT reply actions