NFL Draft 2020: Henry Ruggs III will become instant deep threat with Raiders

The Raiders have moved from Oakland to Las Vegas and their very first draft pick as the newly-located franchise was Henry Ruggs III.

Henry Ruggs III became the first draft pick in the Las Vegas Raiders franchise history when the Raiders drafted him at the 12th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Raiders finished the 2019 season in Oakland, and then moved to their new home in Las Vegas. The 2020 draft was initially supposed to be held in Las Vegas, but due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, the NFL was unable to hold the draft in person, and instead opted for a virtual draft.  It was announced a little later in the first round that the 2021 NFL Draft would be in Las Vegas and the Raiders will be the host.

Ruggs III came into the draft with an emotional backstory about one of his closest friends passing away in a car accident before his junior year. He holds three fingers in the air after every touchdown scored in memory of his friend, whose number on their high school basketball team was three.

The speedy wide out posted 40 receptions for 746 yards and seven touchdowns in addition to a rushing touchdown in his final year with Alabama. He finished his career at Alabama a year early after he declared for the draft and posted 98 total receptions in his three years with the Crimson Tide. He recorded 1,716 yards and 24 touchdowns, which is third in Alabama history.

Ruggs and he has smooth transitions from complex routes with reliable hands. In addition, he is also a prospect for special teams as he is an accomplished kick returner.

Grade: A-

In my mock draft, I predicted Ruggs would go to the Arizona Cardinals with the eighth pick of the first round. O’m not disappointed with him landing in Las Vegas as he still is a top 15 draft pick and he should thrive with the Raiders.