Many football fans were taken aback when the Las Vegas Raiders opted to take former Alabama Crimson Tide Henry Ruggs III. By being selected with the 12th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the speedster became the first wide receiver to come off the boards in a loaded draft class. Ruggs' performance in training camps helped convince the Raiders that they have made the right choice after all.

“He’s fast,” Raiders tight end Darren Waller told reporters on Friday. “It’s as advertised or even crazier in person. It looks effortless. I know it’s not, but I mean I haven’t seen anything like it.”

Ruggs was a marked man in the Alabama offense all throughout his three-year campaign with the team. During his final season in the amateur ranks, he served as the team’s primary kick returner and averaged 23.8 yards per return. His 24 total career receiving touchdowns ultimately placed him third on Alabama’s all-time leaderboard.

Henry Ruggs continued his good showing in the 2020 NFL Combine which led to an increase in his draft stock. He ran a 4.27-second 40-yard dash which was the fastest time by any prospect by .08 seconds.

He now joins his former Alabama teammate in 2019 first-round pick, Josh Jacobs, at the Raiders camp. His unmatched speed will be crucial for the Raiders' offense as it is now capable of stretching the opponent's defense. Ruggs will certainly be an advantageous weapon against the more versatile cornerbacks in the league.

The acquisition of Ruggs will be another step in the right direction as the Raiders aim to bounce back from a subpar 7-9 showing last season.