The Las Vegas Raiders used the first of their two first-round selections in the 2020 NFL Draft to take Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III with the 12th overall pick.
Ruggs was pegged as one of the “Big 3” wide receiver prospects entering the draft and for good reason after the speedy wideout established himself as a bonafide playmaker for the Crimson Tide. Although he may have registered modest numbers the 2019 campaign with 40 receptions for 746 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns, he finished his career scoring touchdowns on 25 percent of his receptions (24-of-98 career receptions).
Ruggs was seemingly able to increase his draft stock by running the fastest 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine at 4.27 and emerging as one of the most physically gifted athletes in this deep receiver class. It is no secret that the Raiders have always been enamored with speed and he certainly fits the billing.
Ruggs’ ability to take the top off the defense should help pay huge dividends for an offense that has been in desperate need of some firepower on the outside. He will now have a chance to take on an immediate role as the No. 1 option in the passing game for quarterback Derek Carr. Meanwhile, wide receivers Tyrell Williams, Hunter Renfrow and Nelson Agholor can continue to serve as a viable, complementary options heading into the 2020 NFL season.
Las Vegas entered the offseason with notable voids at both the receiver and linebacker corps. General manager Mike Mayock acknowledged that these positions would be a point of emphasis throughout the offseason.
The Raiders were able to address their needs at linebacker through free agency with the addition of Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski, however, they still had yet to shore up any weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Fortunately, it seems they were waiting until the draft to make their move.
