The Indianapolis Colts made it a point this offseason to go out and sign a wide receiver they thought could be a big-play threat. The team successfully signed Darrius Heyward-Bey, who at 26, has yet to get his NFL career really started. The Colts had dreams that Heyward-Bey paired with Andrew Luck was a lock to score points. However, a few days into training camp and Heyward-Bey looks anything but the part.
Heyward-Bey was originally drafted by the Oakland Raiders and poised to become one of the best wide receivers in the league. He failed to live up to the expectations of being drafted No. 7 overall in 2009 and became just another first-round draft pick let go by the Raiders. Many believed Heyward-Bey suffered from poor quarterback play, but so far with the Colts, that might not be true.
Radio figure Derek Schultz is reporting Heyward-Bey has dropped most passes thrown to him. This is something that has plagued him throughout his career, leaving many in the Colts organization to wonder if it will ever stop. Heyward-Bey is currently not practicing in pads, leaving more concern on the dropped passes considering he is not facing contact.
Heyward-Bey is only signed to a one-year contract with the Colts making this a key season in his career. With a well-built wide receiving corps already in place, Heyward-Bey must watch out for the guys behind him. T.Y. Hilton has been looking much improved in his second season with the team, demonstrating great speed. Griff Whalen is also impressing and benefiting from previous experience with Luck and the offensive coordinator.
Heyward-Bey appears to be enjoying working with Luck so far in the season. The second-year quarterback is poised for big things and could really help the receiver get his career back on track. According to Heyward-Bey, he has learned a few things from Luck.
"Other than him being goofy? (Laughter) No, no, no. He's just like any other quarterback. He demands attention in the huddle. He's very confident in what he does and expects everybody to be on the same page," Heyward-Bey said.
Off the field, the two appear to have a great relationship, but if Heyward-Bey wants to show he is a big-time wide receiver, he will have to earn some trust. Dropping five big passes during non-contact drills is not helping.
