Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
It’s always an intriguing proposition for teams to be able to add an explosive receiving threat that can outrun basically any player on the field at any given time. That type of player resembles someone like Tyreek Hill and is key in making the Kansas City Chiefs so difficult to defend.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com expressed how Ruggs III can be effective at ‘al three levels’ and will thrive with slants and crossing routes, turning them into big plays after the catch.
Ruggs’ speed alone helps both the running and passing games because it forces safeties into more passive positioning. 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.
Ruggs III produced respectable totals of 40 receptions, 746 yards, and seven touchdowns in 12 appearances last season. The Junior receiver appeared in no shortage of big games during his time at Alabama and has proven to be a big play threat with his speed.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Ruggs III measured at 5’11”, weighs 188 lbs, has 30 1/2″ arms, and has 10 1/8″ hands. The testing results he achieved in the drills were nothing short of impressive headlined by his 4.27 time on the 40-yard dash. He also recorded a 42.0″ on the vertical jump and 131.0″ on the broad jump.
The Broncos are frequently projected to select Henry Ruggs III in NFL mock drafts. The latest edition of Mel Kiper’s mock draft has this exact projection for the reason of adding a speedy receiver that could ‘run crossers and catch deep balls’ from Lock.
