Heyward-Bey making strides?

According to beat writer Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune, the Oakland Raiders first-round pick from a year ago is starting to get it. He says that Darrius Heyward-Bey is looking a lot better than he did last year.

“Can’t roll my eyes anymore when Tom Cable tells how much Darrius Heyward-Bey has improved,” McDonald writes. “Best practice I’ve ever seen him have, and there isn’t anything else that’s even a close second.”

He adds that “Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha said it was the best he’d seen Heyward-Bey play.”

Well, he better improve because almost all of the receivers taken after him in the first round have been pretty good. Jeremy Maclin, Percy Harvin, Kenny Britt, Hakeem Nicks and Michael Crabtree all look like better prospects at this point.

It’s still early and maybe Heyward-Bey will show significant improvement this season. Somehow, though, we doubt it.