Las Vegas Raiders: 4 players who could improve the most in 2021
By Nick Bailey
4 Raiders who could improve the most in 2021
Henry Ruggs III
With the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders were on the clock with the top three receivers on most people’s draft boards still there Ceedee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy, and the eventual draft pick Henry Ruggs. Las Vegas took Ruggs, which would have been Al Davis’ pick as well, but his first season was not what anyone expected.
Ruggs ended up having a statistically disappointing year, finishing his rookie season with 26 receptions 452 yards, and two touchdowns, one of which was a game-winner against the New York Jets in Week 10. However, his rookie season was one like many rookies on this team, as it was marred by injuries.
For the Raiders offense to be as successful this season, not only do the Raiders need Ruggs to step his game up, but Ruggs needs Jon Gruden to scheme more plays to get the ball in hands so he will be able to make the Tyreek Hill-type of plays that he was drafted to make.
Ruggs was only targeted three times per game, and although that’s not entirely his fault, some of it is. Like Arnette, he has put in some major work this offseason, and a huge second-year in the NFL could be in the cards for No. 11.