2020 NFL Draft: Predicting boom or bust potential for 8 top prospects

Cam Akers, RB, Florida State

The fourth or fifth running back on most draft boards, Cam Akers possesses starting potential. He likely won’t become a Day 1 starter, especially considering how stacked recent running back draft classes were. However, Akers could take over as a primary ball carrier within his first few years in the NFL.

Akers is physically ready to take over as a starter, but he needs to improve in pass protection unless he wants to end up in a Ronald Jones scenario. Ball security could also be an issue. However, Akers is a developing pass-catcher who can bowl over defenders with a head of steam. He’s got good burst too.

Akers could take a huge step forward playing behind an NFL-caliber offensive line, especially considering how dreadful Florida State’s offensive line played the past several seasons. The bust aspect comes into play if he doesn’t show any signs of improvement once reaching the pro level. Specifically, scouts wonder how good his vision truly is.

Maybe I’m too personally attached to this pick, but I’m willing to continue pounding my fist for Akers as the draft approaches.

Prediction: Boom

Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

Henry Ruggs III flashed game-changing speed and run after the catch ability that elevated him to the third wide receiver spot on basically every mock draft available at this point. The question remains, is he Tyreek Hill or John Ross? Is he Brandin Cooks or Ted Ginn Jr.? Speed captivates, but it doesn’t always equal success at the NFL level.

Ruggs ran the 40-yard dash at the combine in 4.27 seconds. Since 2003, only six other wide receivers have run the 40 in under 4.3 seconds, with Ross setting the record at 4.22. None of those receivers have made a Pro Bowl.

I believe Ruggs is one of the few prospects being valued too high in the upcoming draft. In comparison, the fourth receiver on most draft boards, Justin Jefferson, is more versatile in terms of where he can line up and Jefferson presents a polished product with far less bust potential.

However, we also saw an instance last year where second-guessing physical potential dropped D.K. Metcalf to the late second round, and he turned out to be the second-best receiver in the whole class. If Ruggs lives up to expectations, he’ll become one of the most feared weapons in the league. That’s a big “if” though.

Prediction: Bust