The Las Vegas Raiders will be leaning big time on Henry Ruggs III this season, and he is certainly popular among fans already.
When it comes to popular Las Vegas Raiders players, there are always the usual suspects when it comes to jersey sales. Guys like Josh Jacobs, Derek Carr, and Darren Waller have huge followings within Raider Nation, so it is no big surprise that their jerseys would be some of the more popular to buy.
Recently, the list of the top-50 jersey sales for all players in the NFL from March 1 through the end of May was announced, and wide receiver Henry Ruggs III surprisingly came in at No. 50. Sure, it is no surprise that stars like Waller and Jacobs were listed, but in Ruggs, the Silver and Black have an unproven player, though he could end up being a big-time star at the NFL level.
In Ruggs, the Raiders have an explosive player who has the ability to make the big play every time the ball is in his hands, and now the team needs to find ways to get him the ball. If they can do that, he could be in for a monster season.
Raiders need Ruggs to step up into the WR1 role
Entering the 2021 season, wide receiver is a big question mark, as the team lost Nelson Agholor to free agency, and have brought in veterans like John Brown and Willie Snead to lessen the blow. Also, fellow 2020 draft pick Bryan Edwards is expected to come in and make a big impact in Year 2, giving the Raiders two very good, and very young wide receivers.
For the past few seasons, Waller has been the de facto WR1 for the Raiders, setting the team’s single-season reception record last year. After taking him as the first wideout off the board in the 2020 NFL Draft, that role should belong to Ruggs, and if he does step up, fans will have their No. 11 jerseys ready.
Las Vegas Raiders: Player with most to prove at each offensive position in 2021
The Las Vegas Raiders have lots of new faces on offense but there is one player at each position group with more to prove than the others.
Overall, there is a lot to like about this Raiders offense, and if Ruggs reaches his first-round potential in Year 2, it could be unstoppable. For Carr and the Raiders, he is one of the more crucial pieces this upcoming season, and you can be sure that Allegiant Stadium is going to be filled with No. 11 jerseys on Monday night against Baltimore in Week 1.