Predicting the short-term and long-term impact of Raiders rookie class
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders brought in seven new players via the 2020 NFL Draft, and we look at their short-term and long-term impacts on the franchise.
In his second NFL Draft as general manager of the Raiders franchise, Mike Mayock got all seven of his picks within the first four rounds. He once again capitalized on multiple first round picks, bringing in players to fill two of their biggest needs on the roster, and both have turned heads this summer.
Looking ahead to Week 1, we dive into each of the Raiders 2020 rookies, and see what their short-term (the 2020 NFL season), and long-term (career) will be.
Round 1, Pick No. 12: Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III
The Raiders made Henry Ruggs III the first wide receiver taken in the 2020 NFL Draft, selecting the speedster out of Alabama. The coaching staff loved what he brought to the table at Alabama, as he was a touchdown machine, and could really break the backs of any defender put on him.
With the Raiders, he will immediately slide into a starting role, and will be asked to be a big part of the offense from Day 1. He has shown this season that he has the ability to run the entire route tree, has exceptional hands, and is going to be a real menace deep.
- Short-Term: Starting Z as a rookie
- Long-Term: 1,000-yard receiver for multiple years, Pro Bowler