It’s well-known that Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III has immense physical talent, most notably his blazing speed.
But considering praise from coach Jon Gruden regarding Ruggs’ intangibles, the rookie from Alabama could be the ideal player for the Raiders at a critical time.
That’s because Gruden, who runs the show in Las Vegas, covets more than mere physical ability. He wants players that love football and would play for free if that was the only option.
Gruden has a word to describe such a player, made famous when he starred as an analyst on Monday Night Football, and he used the term to describe Ruggs III.
“He’s just a hardworking, no-nonsense, day-to-day consistent grinder,” Gruden told reporters on Wednesday. The word “grinder” was the subject of the “Gruden’s Grinder” segment on MNF, used to describe a player that was gritty, determined and tough.
The old ball coach not only used his favorite word to describe Ruggs III, but he further complimented the speedy wideout, saying he’s a “consistent grinder,” not to mention “hardworking” and “no-nonsense.” And Gruden wasn’t finished talking about his prized first-round pick.
“We love him. You’d like him in your business, and we love him in our business. He’s got a big future ahead of him I think, as long as we don’t screw him up.”
Gruden must feel at least a bit of pressure regarding the selection of Ruggs. The 2020 draft was incredibly deep at wide receiver, and Ruggs was the first one chosen. The Raiders will depend on his production even more after the season-ending injury to WR Tyrell Williams.
But Ruggs’ demeanor no doubt played a factor in Gruden’s choice, in addition to his speed, of course. With a 4.27-second time in the 40-yard-dash and a mentally tough attitude, the coach must be in football heaven drawing up plays for the rookie.
That’s exactly what he needs for the critical third year of his team rebuild. In the Raiders’ first year in Las Vegas, it’s Gruden’s job to vault the entire offense into stardom. Ruggs III could be just the guy to make it happen.
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