via images.athlonsports.com

Measurements/Combine Results

Height: 6-2

Weight: 210

40 Yard Dash: 4.30

Vertical Jump: 38.5

3 Cone: 6.80

20 Yard Shuttle: 4.18

Video Killed The Scouting Report:

WR Darrius Heyward-Bey Highlights Maryland 2008 (via DraftParty)

Darrius Heyward-Bey is a burner, plain and simple. He possesses great speed that allows him to stretch the field and take advantage of any misstep by opposing DBs. Is great at catching the ball over his shoulder, and being able to stay at full speed down the field. Also has value as a kick returner, and could contribute there immediately.

Never really put up great numbers like his counterparts Crabtree and Maclin, and was used to draw defenders off of other receivers at times. Maryland's offense was mainly run first, and Darrius never really had a bona fide quarterback throwing at him. He is known as a guy with pretty good character and has no red flags to speak of.

Scouting Report Strengths

Mocking The Draft: Heyward-Bey is probably the best vertical threat among the wide receivers in this class. Easily breaks press coverage. He uses his strength to be beat the jam and break away from defenders. At times, he can make difficult catches look easy. Tall with long arms. Solid after the catch setting up his blockers. Very good leaper and knows how to reach the ball at the high point. 

New Era Scouting:Heryward-Bey had a reputation on and off the field at Maryland that led to Terrapin-nation to the mind set that he was going to be a star. A good kid that has worked hard to refine his game. Not a me-first receiver that has become all too common these days. Runs like a gazelle that the lions cannot catch once he is in space with the football. He has long strides that are as smooth and effortless as it gets. Has outstanding ball skills and is a threat downfield because of his ability to adjust to a poorly thrown ball. Can tip the ball in to position for him to make a grab. Gets going north-south right as he get the ball. Does not dance around defenders. Shows the ball carrier awareness on screens and reverses that make him a legitimate threat to score every time he has the ball no matter where he is. Can outrun what appear to be proper angles that defensive backs have on him. Has the frame a coach wants in a wide receiver with long arms and big hands.

Scouting Report Weaknesses

Mocking The Draft: At this point in his career, Heyward-Bey is still more of a track athlete than a wide receiver. He's not the best route runner and will need to be coached heavily in this area. Wasn't really asked to go across the middle while at Maryland so his toughness is somewhat questionable. Unreliable as a blocker.

New Era Scouting: Very raw and will be selected primarily based on his upside rather than present ability. A poor route runner across the tree that rounds everything and hesitates as he goes over the middle. Shies away from contact too often. Runs on a lower level when in the presence of blind side linebackers and/or safeties. Waits too long to get after the ball, not a fluid pass catcher, slows his body as the ball approaches. Speed is top notch but his acceleration does not match up.

Why Darrius Heyward-Bey Should Be a Jaguar

Heyward-Bey could really be what this club needs. He has great speed, and would be a great complement to Matt Jones, who has developed into a possession type receiver. Could contribute in the return game as well. While not being the best route runner, hopefully Dennis Northcutt could take Heyward-Bey under his wing and teach him to use his speed to his advantage in his route running.