Raiders: Former first-rounders who must reach their potential in 2021

Raiders: 5 former first-round picks that must reach their potential in 2021

By Brad Weiss | Jun 19, 2021

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 06: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Las Vegas Raiders hauls in a fourth quarter touchdown against Josh Adams #36 of the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 06, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Raiders defeated the Jets 31-28. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 06: Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts after scoring a touchdown in the final seconds of the second half as Josh Adams #36 of the New York Jets looks on at MetLife Stadium on December 06, 2020, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders: 5 former first-round picks that must reach their potential in 2021

No. 1: Henry Ruggs III

We finish out our five former first-rounders who need to reach their potential with the Raiders’ top draft pick from the 2020 NFL Draft. With every top wide receiver still on the board, Las Vegas decided on Henry Ruggs III, taking the Alabama speedster with the No. 12 pick overall.

While Ruggs struggled as a rookie, showing flashes at times, he is going to be expected to take a big step forward in Year 2. The Raiders have done a nice job bringing in some veterans around him, including John Brown and Willie Snead, but he is going to be the key for a position group looking for someone to step up and assume the WR1 label.

Last season, that player was free-agent signee Nelson Agholor, and this year, the hope is that it will be Ruggs.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 26: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Las Vegas Raiders walks on the field during warmups before his team's game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Dolphins defeated the Raiders 26-25. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Three important positions to watch in Las Vegas Raiders minicamp

The Las Vegas Raiders have plenty of position groups to keep an eye on, and here are the three most important at minicamp.

Overall, this is a solid group of talent, and all five are going to be expected to play key roles if the Raiders are to make it to the playoffs this season. For some, it is only Year 2, but for others, this is the year they have to prove they are worthy of a long-term deal.

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