Last season, Josh Jacobs was the favorite to win the award only to get snubbed in favor of Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. Meanwhile, the Raiders’ top pick Clelin Ferrell was not even in the conversation for Defensive Rookie of the Year. It was won by Nick Bosa who was selected at No. 2 overall by the 49ers.
This year the Raiders once again went with players on each side of the ball with their top two picks. This time it was flipped, though, with Ruggs at No. 12 and Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette at No. 19.
Based on draft position alone, Raiders 12th overall pick Henry Ruggs III would figure to be in the mix for 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year. Though if last season is any indication, they’ll just give it to Joe Burrow because he was the number one overall pick and Chase Young will get DRoY honors at number two.
In that regard, any player on whom a team uses a top pick would figure to be a favorite.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer put together his list of favorites for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Fifth on the list was Henry Ruggs III.
1. Joe Burrow, QB, Bengals
2. Johnathan Taylor, RB, Colts
3. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Dolphins
4. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 49ers
5. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Raiders
All you heard pre-draft was how the Bama coaches, who are routinely honest with scouts, would rave about how diligent and tough Ruggs is. That tells me he’ll be ready to go when camp starts, and ready to produce when the season gets going. The one thing Ruggs has on his side—he’ll have the types of wow plays that can swing these awards.
It’s interesting Ruggs is behind another receiver, but it isn’t the consensus top two wide receivers, Jerry Jeudy and Ceedee Lamb, who were chosen after him. It’s Aiyuk who was the sixth receiver selected at 25 overall.
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