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By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: Ruggs went under the radar somewhat because of Jerry Jeudy and other Alabama play-makers, but Ruggs was a dangerous receiver who produced big plays throughout his time at Alabama. In 2018, he totaled 46 receptions for 741 yards and 11 touchdowns with Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback. Ruggs stayed consistent as a junior despite the injury to Tagovailoa and the Crimson Tide spreading the ball around to their amazing group of receivers. Ruggs had 40 catches for 746 yards and seven touchdowns in 2019. He could have been the No. 1 receiver at Alabama if he had returned for his senior year, but Ruggs made the jump to the NFL, which was wise given he is likely to be a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The first attribute that jumps out about Ruggs is his extreme, game-breaking speed. Immediately as a rookie, Ruggs is going to be one of the fastest wideouts in the NFL and have the ability to stretch defenses vertically and take the top off a defense. He is lightning-fast while running deep along the sideline, deep post routes, or deep crosses. His sheer speed makes it very difficult for defensive backs to run with him. While Ruggs’ route-running and hands aren’t elite, they are fine for a speed receiver, plus he is a willing blocker.
In the NFL, Ruggs may not be a high volume wide receiver who produces massive reception totals like a DeAndre Hopkins or Michael Thomas. Ruggs is not a possessional receiver, so he could produce a smaller reception total but provide a high yards-per-reception average and plenty of big plays. Aside from those big plays, Ruggs will make an impact on snaps when he doesn’t get the ball as he will cause defenses to have to account for his deep speed, and that can open up the underneath for other wideouts and the rushing attack. Ruggs also brings added value as a returner on special teams, but his NFL team will probably use him sparingly in that role to protect him from injury. However in critical situations, he could be a special teams asset.
Ruggs is worthy of being a top-25 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He should be a game-changing receiver if he stays healthy as a pro.
Player Comparison: Will Fuller. Ruggs reminds me of Fuller coming out of Notre Dame in 2015. Both have elite speed and can be devastating play-makers. Fuller (6-0, 184) and Ruggs are almost identical in size with game-breaking speed.
RELATED LINKS:
2020 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2020 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2020 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
NFL Picks - Nov. 20
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 20
NFL Power Rankings - Nov. 19
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
