2020 NFL Draft: Top 10 players the New Orleans Saints should consider with the 24th pick
Henry Ruggs III, WR, University of Alabama
Henry Ruggs is a 6-foot-0 flat wide receiver out of the University of Alabama. Henry Ruggs is the definition of speed at the next level. Ruggs runs a 4.35 40-yard dash. For example, that ranks as the third-fastest in NFL history right behind Chris Johnson at 4.24 and John Ross at 4.22.
Ruggs pairs that speed with the genuine ability to get up and catch the ball. He comes out of his routes fast and has shown the potential to be able to fight through contact for a reception. Ruggs has also shown a skill to control his body through the air.
There were 42 plays in 2019 when Alabama put out Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle (@PFF). Results:
— Anthony Treash (@PFF_Anthony) December 13, 2019
Jeudy 7/8 122 yds 1 td
Ruggs 6/8 148 yds 1 td
Smith 7/10 176 yds 3 td
Waddle 5/6 118 yds 2 td
Might be best personnel pack to ever take the field in CFB. pic.twitter.com/aSvDYuwjCf
Unfortunately, Ruggs’ isn’t a super physical wide receiver. With a 200lb frame, the small receiver does not lean toward being physical with cornerbacks and shy away from it. Considering Ruggs has Jerry Jeudy as a teammate, his stats came out pretty high.
The New Orleans Saints could target Amari Cooper in free agency. However, they could also pay a lot less money and just target Ruggs if he is available on the board. He could be the perfect pairing with short route runner Michael Thomas.
Player Comparison: Dallas Cowboys, WR, Amari Cooper