Is Henry Ruggs’ speed worth the risk for New York Jets? | Blewett’s Blitz Film Review

Henry Ruggs III represents one of three wide receiver options for the New York Jets at No. 11, but is his speed worth the risk?

Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb and Henry Ruggs III are most likely the three wide receiver options for the New York Jets at No. 11. Each brings specific strengths and weaknesses to the table. For Ruggs, it’s that scary straight-line speed.

His 4.27 forty-yard time coupled with his size shocks the senses at times and is oftentimes too much for some general managers to ignore, even this high in the draft.

Today, Blewett’s Blitz breaks down Henry Ruggs III and asks the question, “Is his top-line speed worth the risk at No. 11?”

***The clips come first with Blewett’s text analysis to follow. Only SUBSCRIBERS can view the entire article. 

***The FULL film breakdown in video form can be found at the bottom of this article (subscribers only) or on the Blewett’s Blitz homepage. A free preview can be found at the YouTube and Podcast episodes.

Ruggs (top) releases off of the line with a quick foot fire, stabs outside paired with a head fake. Ruggs breaks back on the curl/stop (goes out of frame) and makes the catch. He runs past the first defensive back, sees the second and alters his speed (raises left knee), which makes the DB change his angle. Ruggs then runs past him for the touchdown.

Ruggs (bottom in motion) gets tighter to the box as he wants to create room on the outward-breaking route. Ruggs stems inside as the corner opens his hips inside and is playing high overtop.

Ruggs makes a rounded break on his out, runs into contact without defeating the arms of the cornerback, which shuts down his route. Ruggs needs to do more here to open his outward break.

Ruggs (top) runs his feet at the snap but doesn’t do much to threaten the quarterback, forcing him to angle his hips off or get onto his heels. Ruggs bows his route out wide squeezing himself close to the sideline.

The QB looks to hit Ruggs on the back shoulder; Ruggs looks to use a “push by” as he breaks back to the ball. He creates room and is able to bring the ball in while staying in bounds.

Ruggs (top) uses a “split release” to not close ground/assess the CB in press. Ruggs drops his hips but doesn’t do much to threaten the CB with his feet/hips and the CB is able to stay over the top. Ruggs and the QB have good timing as the QB throws it short, Ruggs breaks to the ball with the “push by,” then picks up some YAC (yards after catch).

Ruggs skips off the line to close ground on the CB and then crosses him over which angles to CB hips off outside. Ruggs breaks inside while punching over the inside arm of the CB to win the outside. Not sure how the concept/route was designed but would like to see Ruggs get depth here.