Grading the Las Vegas Raiders 2020 NFL Draft class
By Evan Groat
Pick Analysis. Wide Receiver . Alabama. Henry Ruggs III. 12. Scouting Report. player. 829
Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden got their guy in Henry Ruggs III, a speedy wideout from Alabama that is just what this offense needs. The scenario at pick 12 could not have worked out any better for the Raiders, with all three of the consensus top wideouts available for them, including Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb, and both Ruggs and Jerry Jeudy from Alabama.
In Ruggs, the Raiders get a legit threat for Derek Carr who will open up the offense. Defenses will need to respect Ruggs’s long speed by rolling coverage in his direction. His presences will take the focus off of tight end Darren Waller and Josh Jacobs will see less loaded boxes.
Although he never caught more than 46 balls in a season at Alabama, he was as sure handed as they come, and averaged a touchdown every 4.1 catches. When he was given the opportunity he was explosive and on a Raiders team that struggled to find the end zone last season, he fills an immediate need.
Ruggs will fill multiple roles for the Raiders, as not only will he be a starting receiver, but the plan is to have him return kickoffs as well.