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5 bold predictions for Las Vegas Raiders in 2021

By Rucker Haringey

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Tight end Darren Waller #83 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Tight end Darren Waller #83 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Raiders bold predictions, Bryan Edwards
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 17: Wide receiver Bryan Edwards #89 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

2. Bryan Edwards will catch more passes than Henry Ruggs

The Raiders went heavy on drafting wide receivers last season. They selected Ruggs in Round 1 and circled back to nab Edwards in the third round. Neither rookie gave Las Vegas the production they were looking for last season.

Gruden being seduced by Ruggs’ speed was all too predictable. He’ll take a meaningful step forward in 2021, but his lack of size will prevent him from ever becoming a true No. 1 wide receiver. Ruggs should be regarded as more of a gadget player at this stage of his young career.

Edwards is a much different sort of wideout. He’s got a big frame at 6-foot-3 that gives him a chance to become a high-quality starter on the outside. He only caught 11 balls in limited action as a rookie, but the departure of Nelson Agholor in free agency gives him a huge opportunity to nab increased playing time next season.

Ruggs may finish the year with more receiving yards than Edwards, but it’s the former South Carolina standout who will register more catches. This prediction could go by the wayside if Las Vegas hits on a new wideout in the draft, but Edwards still has a chance to carve out a big role in 2021.

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