Henry Ruggs’ time as a wide receiver at the University of Alabama was highly praised by the Crimson Tide fandom, but often overlooked in the national media.
However, he is now making national headlines as he could be the fastest player to ever run the 40-yard dash in the 2020 NFL Combine.
That speed might just land him a spot in the top-five picks for the 2020 NFL Draft.
The contest for first receiver off the board was seemingly between Ruggs’ former teammate, Jerry Jeudy, and former Oklahoma receiver CeeDee Lamb.
When looking at what kind of on-the-field player the Alabama product is, scouts will notice his willingness to not be in the spotlight consistently. He has played alongside both 2018 first-round pick Calvin Ridley and likely 2020 first-round selection Jeudy.
As far as numbers are concerned, Ruggs, in his junior season, posted 746 yards off of 40 receptions, an average of 18.7 yards per catch and even added a rushing touchdown to his stat-line.
The one piece of Ruggs’ game that sets him apart from Lamb and Jeudy?
His speed.
There has been a lot of talk of the Alabama native breaking the record for the fastest 40-yard dash in NFL Combine history. The current record is 4.22 seconds, set by former Washington receiver John Ross.
Ruggs, who is already projected to be taken off the board mid-first round, could shoot up the board, surpassing Lamb and Jeudy, and be the first receiver selected.
Chris Trapasso, an NFL draft analyst for CBS Sports, released his most recent mock draft which has six Alabama players being drafted in the first round.
Trapasso’s most interesting prediction isn’t the Chargers trading up to take former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, but the New York Giants selecting Ruggs with the No. 4 overall pick.
“When Ruggs runs in the low 4.2s, it’s going to boost his already high draft stock, and if he’s that much faster than Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb, he could go ahead of them,” says Trapasso. “If there’s one GM who likes flashiness, it’s Dave Gettleman, so this pairing happens in this mock.”
Other teams that have been linked to Ruggs are the New York Jets, the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots.
Ruggs spoke to the media during his availability at the combine. He was quick to point out that he’s more than just a fast player.
“I want to showcase everything,” said Ruggs. “I’m a complete receiver and can do everything you need me to do.”
Roll tide Wire will keep you updated on all things Alabama related at the 2020 NFL Combine.
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