2020 NFL mock draft first round and fantasy impacts

30th Overall: Green Bay Packers – Henry Ruggs (WR – Alabama)

Team Needs
Wide Receiver, Cornerback, Linebacker, Safety, Offensive Line,

Picks: 30 (1st), 62 (2nd), 94 (3rd), 136 (4th), 176 (5th), 192 (6th), 209 (6th), 225 (7th), 243 (7th), 244 (7th)

Henry Ruggs falling all the way to 30th overall after blazing a 4.27 40 yard dash speaks to the insane depth of the 2020 NFL Draft class. His lack of production on a talented Alabama team has hurt his stock a bit, even if there is legitimate argument that it should not. He is still a first round talent, something that is all too evident when you watch his game film. More than just a go route specialist, Ruggs combines good hands and route running with his elite speed. Playing on a team with three other first round talents meant that Ruggs, and even Jerry Jeudy were left off the field for multiple snaps per game. Devonta Smith’s breakout season hurt not only Henry Ruggs, but Jerry Jeudy, and Jaylen Waddle as well. The Packers do not typically draft wide receivers in the first round, but with a new regime that understands that Green Bay needs a competent number two receiver to compete in the postseason, they very well might.

Team Impact

The Green Bay Packers have seemingly been on the hunt for a number two receiver for years. Not since Jordy Nelson and James Jones left town have the Packers had a true number two talent on their roster. They tried to gloss over it with the addition of Jimmy Graham, and even spent three picks on wide receivers in a single draft, but they have continued to swing and miss. Ruggs will finally give Aaron Rodgers his first number two receiver in years. He fits the bill of the speed receiver the Packers have continually searched for. If he reaches his potential and is utilized correctly, Ruggs could prove to be Tyreek Hill 2.0. He is more polished as a receiver and route runner than Hill was coming out of college, and walks around without any of the disturbing off field baggage. Davante Adams and Henry Ruggs will instantly become the most feared wide receiver duos in the entire NFC outside of Tampa Bay (and New Orleans if they indeed draft Reagor as mocked above).

Fantasy Impact

If Henry Ruggs lands with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers he will immediately ascend to WR2 status, even in redraft leagues. Rodgers is a stud maker when he has talented wide receivers at his disposal. Ruggs would be the most talented, and highest drafted wide receiver prospect that Rodgers has ever worked with. Rodgers to Ruggs, if schemed correctly, could prove to be the most electric gamebreaking duo in all of football. Ruggs will be hard pressed to enter WR1 territory with Adams in town, as Adams always projects to see a higher target share and reception total. With that being said, while he may not be ranked as a WR1, he will have the talent and situation to put up WR1 numbers on a weekly basis. Ruggs is someone to consider any time after the 1.07 in dynasty rookie drafts.