Las Vegas Raiders: 2020 Final rookie report card

Raiders first pick Henry Ruggs III – WR

Henry Ruggs didn’t produce as much as one would expect of a receiver picked at the 12th spot in the draft. A lot of that can be blamed on Jon Gruden not making the rookie receiver as much as a focal point in the offense but at the same time, Ruggs showed some of the same flaws he had at the collegiate level.

While Ruggs did show the ability to stretch the field and draw attention to his side of the field due to his elite speed, he wasn’t able to capitalize on a lot of the deep balls that went his way. Ruggs still needs to work heavily on his ball tracking as well as his ability to keep his feet in bounds along the sideline.

The most receptions he tallied in a single game was only three, so it is clear he is not getting open as much as you’d like to see. Ultimately, Ruggs finished fourth on the team in receiving yards with 452, and his 26 catches were good for fifth on the team, putting him behind even running back Josh Jacobs.

This was the absolute worst year to be a rookie due to COVID ruining the typical training camps, stripping away the access to an NFL strength and conditioning regime, as well as time together at the facilities to gain trust and familiarity with teammates. Even worse of all less, time scrimmaging and gaining a rapport with Derek Carr in the Case of Ruggs specifically.

Hopefully, there will be a proper training camp and pre-season for the 2021-2022 season and Ruggs will make big strides from his disappointing rookie campaign.

Grade: C-