Ruggsmania

Posted: March 4th, 2020 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | Comments Off on Ruggsmania

Henry Ruggs was the fastest player in college football last fall. All you had to do was turn on the TV and watch Alabama play. Ruggs speed jumped off the screen. Most people projected Ruggs to go in the first round, somewhere between picks 15 and 25.

Ruggs went to the Combine and ran 4.27.

I was impressed, but not shocked at all. He was the fastest player in the college season so I expected him to be the fastest at the Combine.

Now there is speculation he could go much closer to the Top 10. People doing mock drafts have the Eagles trading up to get Ruggs. Eagles fans want Howie Roseman to do whatever it takes to get him.

My take…settle down.

DeSean Jackson ran a 4.35 at the Combine back in 2008, but fell to the second round due to concerns over his size and some off-field issues. Jackson has been a terrific pro.

John Ross ran 4.22 at the Combine in 2017 and was taken ninth overall. In his three seasons, Ross is 49-716-10. He hasn’t come close to living up to the hype of his amazing 40 time.

D.K. Metcalf ran 4.33 at last year’s Combine. He fell to the late second round over some ability and durability concerns. Metcalf had a good rookie season.

Phillip Dorsett ran 4.33 back in 2015 and was a first round pick. He’s started 15 games since then and has 11 TD catches. J.J. Nelson ran a 4.28 that same year. He didn’t go until the fifth round (small player from a small school). Nelson has started 16 games and has 11 career TD catches.

Be careful about chasing speed in the draft.

If a player is good value, go get him. Ruggs is a terrific prospect and would be a big help for the Eagles. I do not think he is a player you use a bunch of resources to go get. Ruggs was third in catches and TD receptions for Alabama this year. He can absolutely be a difference-maker with his speed. At the same time, Ruggs isn’t likely to be your #1 receiver. You don’t trade up in the first round for a complementary player. You do that for a foundational player, the guy you build your passing game around.

During the Combine, analyst Daniel Jeremiah gave the example that the top 10 receivers in the NFL in 2019 averaged running a 4.52. There was a long discussion with Michael Irvin about how too much speed can hurt a player. Receivers need to be able to run precise routes and make dynamic cuts. You can’t do that at 4.27. You can at 4.52.

I would be fine with the Eagles taking Ruggs at pick 21, but I would not trade up for him. The smarter move would be taking a different receiver (or other position). As much as the Eagles needed speed last year, they needed someone who could consistently get open and someone who could consistently catch the ball.

A.J. Brown and Deebo Samuel were great rookie receivers last year. They ran 4.49 and 4.48.

I am strongly against the Eagles trading up for anyone. They need all 10 picks. They need an infusion of youth on this roster.

*****

Some people have been talking about the Eagles possibly getting Foles back.

This will not happen.

The organization loves Foles, but can’t afford his salaries for the next few years and you don’t want him presence on the roster to affect Carson Wentz.

Makes for a fun discussion at the bar, but there won’t be a reunion.

*****

The Jags already pulled off one trade.

All CB movement is worth keeping an eye on. This move could mean Chris Harris is done in Denver and will be headed elsewhere.

This deal also could impact Darius Slay. He’s better than Bouye now, but this could affect the value of the pick the Lions are looking for.

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