CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE:
EXPLORING VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
A HISTORY OF RICK SPIELMAN'S DRAFT TRADES
HENRY RUGGS III
HEIGHT/WEIGHT/AGE
6-foot-0
190 pounds
21 years old
BIG PICTURE
Think Alabama had it good last year? Not only did they have Jerry Jeudy wrecking secondaries but arguably the fastest player in college football, Henry Ruggs III. For his three-year career, Ruggs turned one out of every four catches into a touchdown (24 out of 98) while contributing in the kick and punt return game. He was a four-star recruit out of high school and had to choose between basketball and football. It seems like he made the correct decision after a sterling Crimson Tide career where he averaged 17.5 yards per reception.
COMBINE NOTABLES
4.27 40-yard dash (1st)
42-inch vertical (T-2nd)
131-inch broad jump (T-4th)
10 1/8-inch hands
VIKINGS' COMPATIBILITY RANKING
3.5 out of 5. The Vikings are looking for a playmaker to replace Stefon Diggs, and as our Chris Schad opined on ZoneCoverage.com, maybe it's Ruggs. The fast-as-lightning pass-catcher from Alabama could be the top receiver off the board... or he could be the fourth, considering the weighty receiver class. If he drops to the Vikings, they'll have a decision to make.
HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT DRAFT EXPERTS SAY
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: "Ruggs' speed alone helps both the running and passing games because it forces safeties into more passive positioning. He can work all three levels and his ability to turn slants and crossing routes into big gainers could make him the favorite gift under the tree for a quarterback and offense in need of an explosive weapon. He has quick, sure hands to handle off-target throws, but learning to release, separate and catch against physical NFL cornerbacks could require an adjustment period. He won't rack up the targets, but has explosive speed and talent to imprint on games with regularity."
Benjamin Solak, Draft Network: "Henry Ruggs III is a Day 1 candidate for every NFL team. His skillset -- electric speed, ball-tracking, and strong hands -- are a fit for any system and valuable beyond the measurement of his statistical output. Ruggs will dictate safety rotation at the NFL level given his ability to release against press coverage and challenge even the top NFL corners with his success working the nine ball/back-shoulder fade combination. Ruggs is also a winner in short areas with efficient routes and angle-breaking acceleration, with better toughness and tackle breaking ability than he's given credit for. Ruggs has the potential to house every ball and is the highest floor of all the rookie receivers given his physical toolset."
WHAT PFF SAYS
151.4 career passer rating when targeted
5 total drops in three-year career
15+ yards per reception each season
CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE:
EXPLORING VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
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