Henry Ruggs New Role in Raiders Offense is Exciting

What if I told you that Week 2 in the Las Vegas Raiders’ matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers was the first time that 2020 first-round pick Henry Ruggs III saw over five targets in a game? 

That’s right, it took 15 games for Ruggs to amass over five looks in a game, but he made the most of it, turning seven targets into five catches for 113 yards and a touchdown.  

WynnBET Sportsbook hasn’t been showing the Raiders much love in the odds to win the AFC West, as they currently are last at +1000. Despite wins over the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh, Las Vegas is still projected to win just eight games this season, although the odds for the over on that prop are set at -130.

If Derek Carr, who is criminally underrated to win the MVP award this season after his red-hot start, is going to lead the Raiders to the playoffs, Ruggs needs to have a role more like Week 2 going forward. 

The No. 12 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft made just two catches in Week 1 against Baltimore and was used less than Hunter Renfrow, Bryan Edwards and Darren Waller in the passing game. 

Ruggs’ unique speed can open up a ton of opportunities for the Raiders on offense, as Waller receives most of the defense's attention. Ruggs got loose for a 61-yard score in Week 2. 

Renfrow is going to man the slot and help move the chains underneath, but Ruggs has a skillset and speed that made him worthy of such a high selection. Jon Gruden still seems to be figuring out how to best scheme Ruggs into the offense, but Raiders fans should be encouraged by his performance in Week 2. 

Las Vegas has a tough road in the AFC West, but the over on its win projection may be the way to go if the offense, especially the passing game, continues this pace as the season progresses.

Can Henry Ruggs help make the Raiders a playoff team? Make your pick at WynnBET.