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2020 NFL Mock Draft: Sifting through the pre-draft noise

By Jacob Camenker

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 05: Andrew Thomas #71 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up on the field before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 05: Andrew Thomas #71 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up on the field before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images) /
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TUSCALOOSA, AL – SEPTEMBER 21: Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs for a touchdown after catching a pass during a game against the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Alabama defeated Southern Miss 49-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL – SEPTEMBER 21: Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs for a touchdown after catching a pass during a game against the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Alabama defeated Southern Miss 49-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

San Francisco 49ers. Henry Ruggs. 13. player. 42. . Wide Receiver

The 49ers are probably upset to miss out on Jeudy here. He fits what Kyle Shanahan looks for in his receivers to a tee. Great route runner, dynamic after the catch, consistent, Jeudy fits every need.

That said, with the opportunity to select Ruggs, the 49ers can’t be too upset. Ruggs was almost as good as his teammate Jeudy last season at Alabama. He served as the deep threat for Tua Tagovailoa, but he offered more than just pure speed.

Ruggs logged a “disappointing” 4.27 time in the 40-yard dash at the combine. I only say disappointing because some thought he’d have the chance to break the speed record previously set by former Bengals top-10 pick, John Ross, a couple of years ago. But in reality, that was a blazing-fast time and still good for best at the combine.

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Beyond his pure speed, Ruggs is a good route runner and should be able to find separation at the next level. He’s quick at the line of scrimmage and if he can get a step on a defender, he’s hard to keep up with. For Jimmy Garoppolo, he could focus on running slants and when he has the ball in his hands, Ruggs will be able to do a lot for it.

Ruggs would replace the dimension that Marquise Goodwin was supposed to offer the 49ers offense. Garoppolo loved throwing to the veteran though he dealt with an injury that sidelined him for a good portion of last season. Ruggs could become that deep threat and may even be a good red-zone target if he can win with his quickness and speed.

Ruggs’ 19.5 yards per touch and eight touchdowns on 42 total catches and carries show everything that there is to know about him. He’s a dynamic playmaking threat who will be a top-20 pick. He could be the next Tyreek Hill and after seeing what he could do in the Super Bowl, the 49ers will be happy to land their own in the 2020 NFL Draft.

If the 49ers want to move down here — another possibility considering their lack of mid-round draft assets — that would make sense. The Miami Dolphins could want to move up to grab Jedrick Wills to serve as a starter at either tackle position. And if that’s the case, the 49ers could move down to 18 with the hopes that Ruggs will still be available. And if not, they could target a guy like Justin Jefferson or Josh Jones to shore up the receiver or tackle position respectively. If I were projecting trades, this would be the one I’d most likely include.

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