Raiders: Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards could form dynamic duo

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 09: Bryan Edwards #89 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half during their game against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 09: Bryan Edwards #89 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half during their game against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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Raiders WR Bryan Edwards (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

What does Bryan Edwards bring to the table?

Bryan Edwards, as noted from his body type is a more traditional wide receiver in the west coast offense than Ruggs. As a big body WR, Edwards can use his large frame to shield defenders from the ball on in-breaking routes and can use his strength to break tackles for extra yards rather than running past them.

Despite his size, Edwards is no slouch in the speed department either. While he may not have the fast-twitch quickness of Ruggs to shake defenders in space, he has the straight line speed to beat defensive backs down the field. The height advantage he possesses also helps him win 50-50 balls that Ruggs may not have the strength for even with his impressive vertical leap.

This makes Edwards especially dangerous in tight coverage or in the red zone as he can high-point the ball over the usually smaller defensive backs. His highlight tapes as a Gamecock show Edwards making spectacular one-handed catches while holding off DBs and using every inch of his frame to come down with contested balls.

Edwards has a more pedestrian yards per reception average than Ruggs (13.0) but that can be chalked up to his incredible production and the sheer number of catches he made over his four year career. The all-time leader in South Carolina history in receptions and yards averaged nearly 5 receptions per game in his college career which cements his reputation as a high-volume and high production receiver.

He can make the tough catches over the middle on third and short but can also break a game open by plucking the ball out of the air and steamrolling a DB on his way to the end zone.

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The diversity in skill sets among the Raiders receivers is perhaps the most exciting aspect of the position group as they know have a talented player for every situation and need. The problem to solve, if you can even call it that, will be on Carr and Gruden to determine the best way to put all of this talent in a position to succeed.