Raiders coach Tom Cable insisted Sunday that his team’s draft strategy isn’t picking the fastest, strongest and biggest players, regardless of their college production.

Raiders starting WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, who recently was downgraded to questionable, will not play against the Steelers because of a foot injury.

Michael Crabtree, the No. 10 overall draft pick, received $17 million guaranteed from the 49ers in a six-year deal that has a minimum base value of $32 million and a maximum value of $40 million. Crabtree’s contract voids to five years if he has Pro Bowl seasons in two of the first four years. In that case, the base value would be $28 million.

Now that Brett Favre and Mike Vick are gainfully employed, I thought I’d reflect back on what has been another wild NFL offseason (and I’m including the events of training camp as part of the “offseason,” cause, heck, we’re not in the regular season yet).

Ignore Darren McFadden’s second-team status on the Raiders’ initial depth chart, he’s still the Oakland player you should target first in fantasy drafts.

While more first-round draft picks have reached or are near finalizing contracts, the Bengals and No. 6 overall selection Andre Smith are locked in a staredown that could last several more weeks.

The Raiders raised eyebrows and surprised some when they picked Maryland WR Darrius Heyward-Bey with the seventh overall selection in the 2009 NFL Draft. The team could be open for more scrutiny if Heyward-Bey continues to struggle in training camp.

No. 7 overall draft pick Darrius Heyward-Bey has agreed to terms on a five-year contract with the Raiders, according to his agent, Ben Dogra. Meanwhile, the Rams and No. 2 overall pick Jason Smith are close to finalizing a deal.

Defensive end Derrick Burgess and rookie wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey were absent as the Raiders opened training camp in Napa, Calif. Wednesday.

Burgess, a two-time Pro Bowler, has not taken part in any offseason activities and he reportedly continues to lobby for a trade. Heyward-Bey, the seventh-overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, has yet to sign a contract, though head coach Tom Cable expressed optimism that a deal would be reached soon.

Random gatherings from my random mind at the NFL Rookie Symposium.

WR Darrius Heyward-Bey worked out for the Raiders in Maryland on Friday.

The headliner at Maryland’s pro day was Darrius Heyward-Bey (6-1 5/8, 212 pounds), who drew a bunch of receiver coaches, including the New York Jets’ Henry Ellard.

The official 40-yard-dash results are in, and Maryland WR Darrius Heyward-Bey posted the fastest official time Sunday among wide receivers at 4.30 seconds.

Maryland receiving prospect Darrius Heyward-Bey’s football career seems to be on the fast track.