Raiders Talk hosts Scott Bair and Josh Schrock discuss the expectations for first-round pick Henry Ruggs in his first NFL season.
The Raiders found a gem when they drafted wide receiver Bryan Edwards with the No. 81 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. You might think he would be overshadowed by first-round Raiders rookies Henry Ruggs (No. 12 pick) or Damon Arnette (No. 19).
Not necessarily.
Despite the fact that 13 other receivers were drafted ahead of him, the Raiders love what they’re seeing out from the 21-year-old rookie so far. Especially quarterback Derek Carr.
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SIGN UP HERE "Bryan is a very violent route runner, and that's a good thing," Carr told reporters earlier this week (H/T CBS Sports). "He's very violent, he's very aggressive in his cuts, he reminds me -- when the ball is in the air -- of Davante (Adams), great ball skills."
Carr also called Edwards a "freak talent."
Being in the same sentence as Adams is definitely a compliment, as the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver has the ability to score touchdowns due to the way he finds himself close to the goal line and the efficient way he can break routes.
Coach Jon Gruden mirrored those sentiments, but Gruden also complimented Edwards’ ability to quickly learn and described him as “a businessman, too.”
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[RELATED: Raiders had first-round grade on Edwards]
Edwards was drafted out of South Carolina in April, leaving as the school's best-ever receiver statistically. His 3,045 receiving yards and 234 receptions are the most in Gamecocks history, and his 22 receiving touchdowns are third behind Alshon Jeffrey and Sidney Rice (23 each).
This gem might not be so hidden after all.
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