The first pre-season game for the Raiders is Thursday night. They have been very busy signing people to the roster, namely wide-receivers. I think we can all agree that Chaz Schilens (as long as he's healthy), Jacoby Ford, Louis Murphy and rookie Denarius Moore are a lock. The jury is still out on Darrius Heyward-Bey and Nick Miller may get the axe this year. The dark horse receivers in my mind were Derek Hagan & Chad Jackson. I know that the Raiders Training Camp has been all a buzz with the sensational performance of Denarius Moore but look at the two young receivers in waiting. Just to compare apples to apples, I will use their college stats.

Jump over...

Denarius  Moore (UT): 6' 2", 210 lbs - 52 Games : 112 Rec.'s : 2,004 Yds : 18 TD's

Chad Jackson (UF): 6' 1", 210 lbs - 34 Games : 120 Rec.'s : 1,586 Yd's : 16 TD's

Derek Hagan (ASU): 6' 2", 215 lbs - 50 Games : 258 Rec's : 3,939 Yd's : 27 TD's

and just for fun....

Darius Heyward-Bey (UM): 6' 2", 210 lbs - 38 Games : 138 Rec.'s : 2, 089 Yd's :  13 TD's

Stats are just....well....stats. They don't tell a whole story. But they do give you a snap shot of what type of football player you're possibly getting. Despite his very productive college career, Hey-Bey has not been able to translate anything close to that to the NFL. I realize that Jackson and Hagan have been in the NFL for 2 or 3 years but maybe hey just need a opportunity to flourish. If they can get enough reps in practice and pre-season games, hopefully they will be able to "wow" Hue Jackson.

According to Steve Corkran,

"Veteran receiver Derek Hagan made a couple of nice plays in only his second practice since he joined the Raiders.

In particular, Hagan ran a precise post route that placed him in position to make a fingertip grab of a pass as two defenders looked on.

Jackson said he’s looking for consistent play makers, regardless of their age, draft status or history. Hagan has more career receptions (85) than any of Oakland’s other wide receivers."

This is promising news.  Hopefully these "dark horse receivers" can make an impact on our team and provide some much need help and depth at the wide receiver position.

What are your thoughts Raider Nation?

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