However, Ruggs' professional career was tragically cut short. On November 2, 2021, he was involved in a fatal car crash in Las Vegas that resulted in the death of a 23-year-old woman and her dog. Ruggs was driving his Corvette at speeds exceeding 150 mph when he crashed into the back of another vehicle. He was subsequently released by the Raiders and faced multiple felony charges, including DUI resulting in death.
The 2020 NFL Draft class: Context and expectations
The 2020 NFL Draft was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Commissioner Roger Goodell announcing picks from his basement. It was considered a strong draft class, particularly for offensive playmakers. The first overall pick was Joe Burrow by the Cincinnati Bengals, followed by Chase Young to the Washington Football Team and Jeff Okudah to the Detroit Lions.
The wide receiver position was particularly deep in this draft. After Ruggs went 12th, Jeudy went 15th, and CeeDee Lamb was selected 17th by the Dallas Cowboys. This concentration of talent at the position made the 13th pick especially significant, as it represented one of the top receiving prospects available.
Why the Raiders selected Henry Ruggs III
The Raiders, under head coach Jon Gruden, were looking to add speed and explosiveness to their offense. They had recently acquired receiver Hunter Renfrow in the 2019 draft and were building around quarterback Derek Carr. Ruggs' game-breaking speed was seen as the perfect complement to their offensive scheme.
Ruggs had been a key part of Alabama's national championship team in 2020, catching 40 passes for 746 yards and seven touchdowns in his junior season. His ability to stretch defenses vertically and create big plays was considered his greatest asset. The Raiders believed his speed would open up the entire offense, creating more space for other receivers and the running game.
What happened to Henry Ruggs III after the draft
Ruggs' rookie season in 2020 showed flashes of his potential. He caught 26 passes for 452 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games, demonstrating his ability to make explosive plays. His 17.4 yards per reception ranked among the best in the league for receivers with significant playing time.
However, his second season never truly began. The tragic accident in November 2021 not only ended his football career but also led to serious legal consequences. As of 2023, Ruggs was facing up to 50 years in prison if convicted on all charges. The NFL placed him on the commissioner's exempt list, and the Raiders released him within hours of the incident.
The impact on the Raiders' 2020 draft class
The Raiders' 2020 draft class was significantly affected by Ruggs' situation. They had also selected Damon Arnette (15th overall) in the first round, who was released in 2021 after off-field issues and a controversial video surfaced. This made their 2020 first-round selections particularly problematic.
On a more positive note, the Raiders did find success with other picks from that draft. Cornerback Isaiah Johnson (Day 3 pick) became a solid contributor, and running back Keelan Doss provided depth. But the failures of their first-round selections overshadowed these successes and raised questions about the team's evaluation process.
Comparing the 13th pick to other 2020 first-round receivers
When looking at the 2020 receiver class, Ruggs' trajectory stands in stark contrast to his peers. CeeDee Lamb, drafted four picks after Ruggs, has become one of the NFL's premier receivers, making multiple Pro Bowls with the Cowboys. Justin Jefferson, who went 22nd to the Minnesota Vikings, has emerged as perhaps the best receiver from that entire draft class.
Jerry Jeudy, despite some early inconsistency, has shown flashes of brilliance with the Broncos. Even later-round receivers like Brandon Aiyuk (26th pick) and Chase Claypool (49th pick) have had more productive careers to date than Ruggs. This comparison highlights not only the tragedy of Ruggs' situation but also how differently careers can unfold based on choices made off the field.
The broader implications for NFL teams drafting speed
Ruggs' story raises important questions about how NFL teams evaluate and prioritize player attributes. His exceptional speed was both his greatest asset and, in some ways, a complicating factor in his evaluation. Teams often overvalue speed at the expense of other qualities like route-running, hands, and football intelligence.
The Raiders' decision to draft Ruggs 12th overall reflects a broader trend in the NFL of prioritizing physical measurables over production and character. While Ruggs had shown ability at Alabama, his production (40 catches in his final college season) was not commensurate with a top-15 pick. This mismatch between draft position and college production is something teams continue to grapple with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was selected after Henry Ruggs III in the 2020 NFL Draft?
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected K'Lavon Chaisson, an edge rusher from LSU, with the 20th overall pick, immediately after Ruggs went 12th. The New York Jets then took Mekhi Becton, an offensive tackle from Louisville, at 11th. Following Ruggs at 13th, the San Francisco 49ers selected Brandon Aiyuk, a wide receiver from Arizona State.
How did the Raiders' 2020 first-round pick work out overall?
The Raiders' 2020 first-round selection of Henry Ruggs III ultimately did not work out as hoped. While Ruggs showed potential in his rookie season, his career was cut short by the tragic 2021 accident. The pick is generally considered a significant disappointment given the high selection and the player's untapped potential.
What other notable players were drafted in the first round of 2020?
The 2020 first round included several future stars: Justin Herbert (6th, Chargers), Javon Kinlaw (14th, 49ers), Cesar Ruiz (25th, Saints), and Jordan Love (26th, Packers). The draft also featured standout players like Justin Jefferson (22nd, Vikings) and CeeDee Lamb (17th, Cowboys), who have become elite receivers in the league.
The Bottom Line
The story of the 13th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft is ultimately one of unfulfilled potential and tragic circumstances. Henry Ruggs III possessed rare physical gifts that promised to transform the Raiders' offense, but off-field decisions derailed a career that had barely begun. His selection serves as a reminder of how draft picks represent not just athletic potential but also significant investments and responsibilities.
For NFL teams, the Ruggs selection highlights the complex calculus involved in drafting players. Speed and athleticism are valuable, but they must be weighed against production, character, and the reality that physical gifts alone don't guarantee success. The 2020 draft class, which included several highly successful receivers, shows that finding the right balance of attributes is crucial for long-term success in player evaluation.