2020 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Combine mock with Redskins trading down

Ruggs has already been mentioned as an option a number of times in this mock draft, but here, he finally comes off the board. The Broncos are in need of another receiver target after trading Emmanuel Sanders and Ruggs seems like a good fit for them.

Ruggs is likely to test as one of the fastest players in this draft class. He was known as a burner during his time at Alabama, but his deep speed isn’t his only great attribute. He’s also a good route runner and has good hands, so he should be a multi-faceted weapon at the next level.

During his final collegiate season, Ruggs caught 40 passes for 746 yards and seven touchdowns. His production may not be massive compared to some other first-round receivers, but it’s worth noting that he was sharing targets with Jerry Jeudy, Devonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddel (at times) during the season. So, that explains why his numbers are a bit lower than some of the other first-round candidates at receiver.

But what is important is the fact that Ruggs has averaged 17.5 yards per catch during his career and has 25 total touchdowns on 100 career touches. That’s an amazing TD percentage and it speaks to the fact that 1) he can turn any play into a massive gain or touchdown and 2) he is good in the red zone because of his combination of speed, quickness, and route-running ability.

If Ruggs tests well at the combine, he could go higher than this. He could have a rise similar to the one that John Ross had in 2017, when he went No. 9 overall. That said, Ruggs’ skill set is better than Ross’ and he has proven to be more durable than the Cincinnati Bengals receiver was in college. So, his ceiling is higher.

Ruggs would be an ideal fit with Courtland Sutton and Noah Fant in the Broncos offense. He’d give the team another true deep threat to pair with Drew Lock’s massive arm. That should keep the Broncos competitive on offense, especially if Lock and Ruggs can develop some chemistry early on.