Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III Declares for NFL Draft

Henry Ruggs III came to a different decision to teammate Devonta Smith, electing to join Tua Tagovailoa in declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft.

Alabama junior receiver Henry Ruggs III has declared for the 2020 NFL Draft.

Ruggs announced his decision to forgo his senior season with the Crimson Tide via The Player’s Tribune. He joins fellow former Alabama receiver Jerry Jeudy in turning pro, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa having also declared earlier on Monday. Devonta Smith, who led the Crimson Tide in receiving yardage in 2019, chose to return for another year.

In his article, Ruggs wrote:

"“I recently sat down for some long heart-to-heart talks with my mom and my younger brother, Kevontae’, and we all decided together that it’s the right time for me to take that next step and declare for the 2020 draft.My family, who I love more than anything, and who have always been there to support me, in good times and bad, gave me their blessing. They told me they believed in me and encouraged me to make this decision. It was such an amazing display of love and support. I will never forget those conversations.”"

Ruggs leaves Tuscaloosa after an electrifying career that saw him make 40 receptions for 746 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior, averaging 18.7 yards per catch.

He posted a similar stat line as a sophomore, registering 46 receptions for 741 yards and a 16.1 yards per reception average, production NFL teams are likely to fall in love with.

The 6’0″ 190-pound Ruggs has a case for being considered the fastest player in the nation. He has elite track speed and could challenge John Ross’ Combine record 40-yard dash time of 4.22 seconds.

Ruggs’ ball skills are also among the best in the country, but it is his freakish speed that will be his  calling card in the pros until he refines route-running ability, which has improved over the course of the 2019 season.

Where will he fit in this talent-laden receiver class? Given his outstanding physical gifts, one would imagine he’ll be somewhere near the top.