Although Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III hasn’t stepped on the field, an NFL great is already showering praise.
Ruggs was the first selection of a pair of Raiders picks in this year’s draft. General manager Mike Mayock knew the Silver and Black needed help at wide receiver so he was quick to pick one. Las Vegas head coach Jon Gruden might finally have the deep threat his offense has been missing since returning to the coaching sidelines. The speed that made Ruggs so coveted could open up the Raiders offense and create opportunities for everyone, himself included.
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Vegas Will Belong To Henry Ruggs III
Before even stepping onto Allegiant Stadium, Ruggs recently received praise from a former NFL superstar. Chad Johnson, a.k.a. Ochocinco stated that “Ruggs is going to own Vegas… remember this Tweet” via his personal Twitter account.
Ruggs is going to own Vegas…. remember this tweet
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) June 16, 2020
Praise from a potential NFL Hall of Famer should definitely raise eyebrows within Raider Nation, especially those not completely sold on Ruggs. However, Raider Ramble writer Philip Robinson was quick to dispel doubt when the selection took place, perhaps in line with what Johnson sees in Ruggs.Â
“You can’t teach speed and you can’t coach it into a player, but when you have it, you are special. Ruggs III is that receiver. The late great Al Davis would covet Ruggs. He is explosive and offers the Raiders a chess piece that can turn fly sweeps and jet motions into six points nearly every time he touches the ball.”
Talent recognizes talent, and Johnson was no slouch. He torched defenses for a decade with the Cincinnati Bengals. If someone with 766 career receptions and 67 touchdowns is saying a player will be good, perhaps we should all be paying attention.
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*Top Photo: Butch Dill/Associated Press