Last week, general manager Mike Mayock criticized the 2020 rookie class for the Raiders. He admitted that he was hoping for more from his rookies and he seemed to single-out rookie receiver Henry Ruggs. While he said he wasn’t disappointed in the former Alabama receiver, he said that Ruggs has to get better.
While it would be easy for Ruggs to get defensive about his rookie season, that’s just not who he is. Instead, Ruggs agreed with Mayock and in a recent interview with NFL Network, he explained why he wasn’t upset with the comments from the general manager:
“I was disappointed in the season that I had, personally. And (Mayock) said he was disappointed in the production that we had as a class. So I feel like we’re kind of on the same page. I have to get better at some things — I mean, we have to get better at some things, not only as a class but as a team. And we will get better at those things.”
In fairness to Ruggs, his season wasn’t all that bad for a rookie receiver. He totaled 501 yards and two touchdowns on just 35 touches. He also drew several key pass interference calls, such as the one in Week 2 against the Saints to win the game.
The Raiders need Ruggs to stay healthier and that should result in more production. But the offense needs to also get him more touches and targets as he never had more than five targets in a single game this season.
If Ruggs can become a more consistent player, the Raiders have a chance to be a special offense in 2021. And by the sounds of his comments, it sure doesn’t sound like he is satisfied with his performance from last year. Look for Ruggs to be far better and a more complete receiver during his sophomore season.
