4 players the Panthers need to keep quiet against the Raiders
By Dean Jones
Henry Ruggs III – WR
The Carolina Panthers seem to be in a tough predicament when it comes to their cornerback group in Week 1. They lost free-agent signing Eli Apple to the injured/reserve list, leaving them with very little starting experience outside of No. 1 option Donte Jackson.
This is an area that could become a real weak point on defense if Carolina’s current options fail to meet expectations. It could also be the perfect start to life in the NFL for Henry Ruggs III to make a significant impact.
The former Alabama wide receiver is arguably the best player at the position entering the NFL this year. Ruggs has lightning speed that can blow past opposing defenders with ease and if he can polish up his route-running in the coming years, then the Raiders are going to have an exceptional player on their hands.
Ruggs might have played second fiddle to Jerry Jeudy at the Crimson Tide. But he was still an indispensable member of their passing attack. The wideout ended his three-year stint with Nick Saban’s men with 98 receptions, 1,716 receiving yards, 24 touchdowns, and a lofty yards-per-catch of 17.5.
There is every chance that Ruggs can become one of the key components in the Raiders offense in no time at all. The Panthers will need to be wary of threat and come up with a plan to keep the ball out of his hands.