Henry Ruggs

The Raiders made Ruggs the first receiver off the board, filling a need at receiver that was obvious last season. Tight end Darren Waller easily led the team in receiving yards (1,145), nearly doubling up Tyrell Williams (651) in both yards and targets. Williams got off to a fairly hot start, catching a touchdown in each of his first five games, but he struggled with a foot injury for most of the year. Ruggs brings blazing 4.27 speed and surprisingly good route-running (per Reception Perception creator Matt Harmon) and should see starter’s snaps from day one. Since 2000, the first receiver drafted has averaged 44.7 catches for 618 yards and 4.1 touchdowns, or 8.0 half-PPR fantasy points per game. Since 2010, those numbers have been slightly better (49.6-684-4.2, 8.2 PPG). Both averages equate to fantasy WR4 numbers though there have been exceptions on both ends of the spectrum. In fact, the Raiders made both Amari Cooper (11.2 PPG) and Darrius Heyward-Bey (2.1 PPG) the first receiver drafted, which just goes to show the range of outcomes.