NFL Potential: The Raiders are counting on Heyward-Bey to be a big-play receiver for JaMarcus Russell's deep passes. Heyward-Bey reportedly was the fastest receiver at the 2009 NFL Combine, running the 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds. Despite a strong combination of size and speed, there are questions about his pass-catching technique and ability to dominate at the Division I level.
Did You Know?: Heyward-Bey is the first receiver selected by the Raiders with a No. 1 pick since Notre Dame's Tim Brown in 1988.
Key Stat: Seventy-four of his 212 career tackles came during his senior season. He started 45 games over four seasons, splittting time at free and strong safety.
NFL Potential: A big-time hitter who could develop into a run-stopping force as a situational safety. His drafting position reportedly improved after he ran the 40 yards in 4.4 seconds at a Pro Day workout in March.
Did You Know?: Raiders coach Tom Cable compares Mitchell to former Raiders great Jack Tatum and ex-49ers standout Ronnie Lott. "When you see some highlights of this guy, you’re going to see a guy that … has that Ronnie Lott, that Jack Tatum mentality," Cable told reporters after Mitchell's selection. “He literally knocks people out."
Mitchell is the highest Ohio University player drafted since Gene Ruskowski’s fifth-round selection (44th overall) by the Los Angeles Rams in 1948.
Key Stat: Shaughnessy recorded 18.5 sacks, 41.5 tackles for loss and 22 quarterback pressures in 50 career games with the Badgers.
NFL Potential: A high-energy player who could develop into an edge pass rusher at defensive end or outside linebacker. Needs to add lower-body strength before becoming an every-down player.
Did You Know?: His 41.5 tackles for loss rank sixth on Wisconsin's career list.
Key Stat: Murphy reportedly ran the 40-yard dash in 4.32 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. He had 77 catches for 1,245 yards in 48 college games.
NFL Potential: Murphy is a track sprinter who had 73 receptions (12 for TDs) during his final two seasons with the Gators. The burning question is: Can he add strength and weight to cope with the pounding from NFL defensive backs?
Did You Know?: He contributed at least one catch in each of his final 27 college games.
Key Stat: Norris had 19 sacks for losses of 162 yards during his final two college seasons.
NFL Potential: Norris showed pass-rushing ability in college, but he needs to add weight and strength to develop into an NFL-level defensive end. His explosiveness off the ball gives him a chance to contribute on passing downs.
Did You Know?: Despite starting only his junior and senior seasons, the high-energy Norris finished his Oregon State career with 19 sacks and 28.5 tackles for loss.
Key Stat: Sulak enjoyed a monster senior season at Missouri — 15.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and an NCAA-leading six forced fumbles.
NFL Potential: With a strong initial burst, Sulak projects as an edge pass rusher or outside linebacker. The Rockdale, Texas native lacks NFL-level strength and weight to be a consistent run stopper.
Did You Know?: Sulak had 27 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks in three seasons at Missouri.
Key Stat: Myers contributed 34 catches for 441 yards and four touchdowns as a senior.
NFL Potential: With above average upper body strength, Myers could develop into a competent extra blocker and a complementary receiver. The Praire City, Iowa native contributed 55 catches as a junior and senior with the Hawkeyes.
Did You Know?: Primarily a blocking tight end, Myers had nine TD catches during his final two college seasons.
