Las Vegas Raiders at Carolina Panthers: 3 players to watch in Week 1
Henry Ruggs III, WR
Henry Ruggs III was the team’s top draft pick this past April, and is a weapon the Raiders needed last year. The number 12 pick isn’t just a speedy guy, he’s a great route runner, and he’s a magnet for the safeties, opening up different holes in the passing game, too.
The big-play ability is something the Raiders desperately need and will get this season. Carolina was #15 in the league last year for passing defense, and the Raiders should take advantage of that. Between Waller, Ruggs, Edwards, and Hunter Renfrow, I don’t see a reason why the Raiders can’t exploit a weak defense like the Panthers.
Ruggs was a touchdown machine during his time at Alabama, so much so that nearly 30% of his catches went for touchdowns.
Derek Carr has a prove-it year this year with the fans and the coaching staff, and he has everything he needs to prove all of his doubters wrong. Not only does he have his best weapons of his career on the field, but he finally has consistency within the coaching staff, something that has been lacking throughout his career.