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Some of the shock and awe of Henry Ruggs blistering 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine has worn off, but there’s no doubt that the Alabama wide receiver made himself millions by flashing that electric speed in front of scouts and executives.
If the Eagles or any other team in the NFL draft want to land his dynamic playmaking ability, they’ll likely have to trade up in the draft to make that happen.
Pro Football Focus recently did a post-combine prospect fit for all 32 NFL teams, and like so many mock drafts and experts analysis prior, Ruggs III has been deemed the best fit for the Eagles in the selection process.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: WR HENRY RUGGS, ALABAMA
There may be no player shooting up draft boards more than Ruggs right now. That is what running a 4.27 40-yard dash and having an absurd high school basketball highlight reel circulate on the internet will do for you. It’s clear that Ruggs has the speed and bounce to be an elite deep threat, but his route running and ball skills make him more than just that. The lack of high-level production shouldn’t be a major concern for prospective teams given how effective he was when he did get the ball and the number of players with first-round talent on that Alabama offense. Across his three years for the Crimson Tide, Ruggs never posted a passer rating when targeted below 142.7.
Ruggs does more than just run fast and his ability to turn the smallest play into a 70-yard touchdown, could make the Eagles just as dangerous and dynamic as the Chiefs juggernaut of an offense.
It’ll be interesting to see if Ruggs is the end all be all for Howie Roseman or if the Eagles GM will make a bold move at No. 21 and bank on quality receivers slipping to the second round.
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