2020 NFL Draft Big Board: Ranking top 10 wide receivers in historic class

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 29: CeeDee Lamb #2 of the Oklahoma Sooners reacts after completing the catch for a touchdown in the fourth quarter during the College Football Playoff Semifinal against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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2020 NFL Draft, Henry Ruggs III (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

3. Henry Ruggs III, Alabama

Everyone wants to find the next Tyreek Hill. In the modern NFL, vertical threats with elite speed sometimes supplant route runners and jump-ball experts. Just take a look at the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Well, Henry Ruggs III led all receivers at the combine with a blazing 4.27 40-time and flashed run after the catch (RAC) ability at Alabama. He’s the perfect prospect for modern offenses.

Ruggs produced consistently during his final two seasons at Alabama, producing 86 receptions for 1,487 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also returned a few kicks, averaging 23.8 yards per attempt as a junior. His release and open field speed are off the charts.

It’s worth noting that Hill is the exception to the rule, not the norm. Many speedsters do not experience success in the NFL. Since the combine officially began tracking 40 times in 2003, only six players have turned in faster times than Ruggs. Only one of them, current record holder John Ross, went in the first round, and none of the six have ever crossed the 1,000-yard mark in a season.

However, Ruggs possesses elite RAC skills, and he glides across the field. I expect him to succeed in the NFL, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Ruggs has more to prove than the two receivers ranking above him.

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