Raiders Draft Speedy WR

Henry Ruggs III - Raiders 1st Round Pick (12th overall)

excerpts from article: Henry Ruggs, Jerry Jeudy Drafted
by Sam Marsdale

"Ruggs' speed alone helps both the running and passing games because it forces safeties into more passive positioning," NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote of Ruggs. "He can work all three levels and his ability to turn slants and crossing routes into big gainers could make him the favorite gift under the tree for a quarterback and offense in need of an explosive weapon. He has quick, sure hands to handle off-target throws, but learning to release, separate and catch against physical NFL cornerbacks could require an adjustment period. He won't rack up the targets, but has explosive speed and talent to imprint on games with regularity."

“One of these players will elevate an offense to different heights, and as good as Jeudy and Lamb are, they aren't the lightning-in-a-bottle player that you can't take your eyes off. Ruggs is,” former NFL quarterback David Carr wrote. “The speedster is a combination of DeSean Jackson and Tyreek Hill. He has home run ability from anywhere on the field.” 

“Henry Ruggs is my No. 1 receiver in this year's draft class simply because he changes the game the most,” former NFL offensive lineman Brian Baldinger said. “He brings a different kind of speed that will give defenses major problems -- remember, he ran a 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and was disappointed. He's like the Cheetah, Tyreek Hill, but bigger and stronger. That's a dangerous skill set.”