Las Vegas Raiders: In-depth scouting report of Henry Ruggs
By Nico Di Fede
2. Tape Breakdown
New Mexico State (2019)
Stats: 4 receptions, 66 yards, 1 TD, 1 carry, 75 yards, 1 TD, 1 kick return, 22 yards, targets: 5, drops: 0
Notable Plays: 0:05, 1:12, 2:44, 4:15
Overview: Was mostly lined up on the outside in this one, only a couple of plays in the slot. His 4.27 speed was on full display on his first reception (0:05) (counted as a rushing attempt) which he took for 75 yards.
Most of the routes he ran were on the shorter side. Had one sloppy route (2:44) which was the one target he didn’t haul in.
Instead of seeing the defender and therefore taking a deeper angle behind him, he kept it shallow running right into the defender’s zone forcing Tua Tagovailoa to throw it high. Would have liked to see more effort as a run blocker.
All in all, he had two touchdowns on six touches which really exemplifies his game, making the most of a small number of touches.
Grade: B-
South Carolina (2019)
Stats: 6 receptions, 122 yards, 1 TD, 20.3 YPC, targets: 6, drops: 0
Notable Plays: 1:07, 2:07, 4:10, 4:41, 4:53, 6:27, 7:55, 8:37
Overview: One question mark with Ruggs is whether or not he’ll be able to beat press at the line against the bigger and stronger cornerbacks in the NFL. That is why the play at (1:07) is of note.
He was able to beat the press coverage against a taller cornerback and won out of his release. One play doesn’t prove he can of course, but it shows he is capable.
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The bulk of his yardage came on a quick inside slant that he took for an 81-yard touchdown (2:07). He also showed his ability with the ball in his hands on a couple of his other catches though they didn’t go for much yardage.
I like the way he uses his hands to catch on a consistent basis, instead of letting it come into his body.
The only negative in this was his route-running on a few snaps where he either should have improvised his route based on the defense or wasn’t sharp in and out of his breaks.
The play at 7:55 is what you want to see more of. He committed a double move in the middle of his route which got him separation downfield (though wasn’t targeted).
Grade: B-
Auburn (2019)
Stats: 6 receptions, 99 yards, 1 TD, 16.5 YPC, targets: 8, drops: 0
Notable Plays: 0:48, 1:11, 1:43, 2:55, 3:11, 3:54, 4:38, 5:18, 5:47, 6:20, 7:11
Overview: Of the three games reviewed, this one is his best tape.
While his route running is usually average, it was a lot crisper in this one. This shows at (0:48) where Ruggs’ quick feet at the line of scrimmage allowed him to beat the cornerback out of his release as he got open for the curl route which he caught and took for a touchdown.
It was called back but that doesn’t take away from what Ruggs did there. On his actual touchdown (3:56) he also ran a nice route and was wide open in the corner of the endzone.
Ruggs’ effort on run plays shined in this game as well (3:11) (2:55). He will need to get stronger at the next level to continue to be effective in this area but that is expected of all players.
His reception at 5:47 is the perfect example of cornerbacks having to respect his speed going downfield despite not having many deep-ball receptions.
The cornerback turned and ran instantly to not get beat deep, but Ruggs turned for the back-shoulder throw and the cornerback was not looking back at the ball since he was focused solely on keeping up with Ruggs vertically.
Grade: A