Despite the significant changes made up front, the Las Vegas Raiders have high hopes for their offense heading into the 2021 NFL season.
They managed to alleviate the departure of Nelson Agholor by adding a couple of veterans to the receiving corps in free agency with John Brown and Willie Snead IV. They are hoping this experience will help complement the emergence of second-year wideouts Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards
Even tight end Darren Waller expects this group to kick things up a notch following the influx of talent to the passing game for quarterback Derek Carr. Of course, their success will rely heavily on the development of Ruggs and Edwards in Year 2.
The rookies did not have the benefit of a full offseason to transition to the NFL due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic last offseason. Ruggs feels this will pay some major dividends this time around.
“I’ll say, No. 1, we have an offseason,” Ruggs said. “So, we’re building chemistry and we’re working around each other. We know what guys like and what guys want to do and things like that. So, I’ll say that’s the biggest thing – chemistry, just learning the ins and outs of the offense and just learning the guys and knowing who to put in what situation.”
Now that Ruggs has experienced offseason workouts firsthand, he can see how it goes a long way in building chemistry on and off the field.
“Now that I’m here and a part of it, I definitely feel like it’s a necessity. Just being around the guys, building chemistry and just being around the coaches and just getting that hands-on work just makes things that much easier and makes it make sense.”
It is encouraging to see that Ruggs appears to be relishing in all the intricate details that come with a full offseason in the NFL. Perhaps this could help prove to be the difference in helping him and Edwards utilize their potential.
Ruggs was taken because of the explosive elements to this offense that his blazing speed could open up. However, it was evident that his raw skill set still needed some development at the next level.
Ruggs has since embraced the prospect of taking on an increased role on offense next season. It will be interesting to see how much the former 12th overall pick has improved now that he has spent ample time in the system.
