NFL Rookie Watch: Week 2 slew of injuries rattle the depth charts

The Oakland Raiders had a tumultuous final season between big-name drama and the dawn of the return of Gruden. Now in Las Vegas and residing in possibly the best-accommodated stadium in the NFL, the Raiders look to become a modern rendition of old-school football. 2019 NFL draft reach Josh Jacobs has now become a true modern rarity as a pure workhorse back, yet Gruden fills the rest of the offense with modern weapons that fit the common formula of NFL aerial offenses.

The three typical receivers highlighting a passing offense divide into three separate roles: slot, speed, and size. Tyrell Williams has been replaced by fellow rookie Bryan Edwards in the role of size, while the smaller-statured Renfrow and Ruggs hold down the slot and speed roles within the Las Vegas offense.

Ruggs will always have the label of “speedster” attributed to his name after his ‘disappointing’ 4.27 combine forty-time, but game tape at both Alabama and his two weeks of NFL play show he is more than the ghost of Darius Heyward-Bay.

Modern NFL offenses such as the 2018 Los Angeles Rams led by Jared Goff & Todd Gurley ran through the NFC as a balanced offense built around the complementary schematics of power-running combined with downfield play-action. Gruden has a more stout crew between the tackles in Las Vegas, but Ruggs will provide the explosive playmaking of Robert Woods in LA or even Tyreek Hill in a more spaced Kansas City offense.

Derek Carr led the league in deep-ball accuracy for the 2019 season according to Pro Football Focus, and Ruggs is now the weapon he’s needed.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Following in the footsteps of his father, Antoine Winfield Jr been as advertised with his explosive play from the back-half of the Tampa defense. Winfield was not only a highlight of the NFL combine but has continued his success through training camp by winning the starting job at strong safety.

Tom Brady may be at the helm in Tampa Bay, but one cannot simply forget the success of last season’s defense led by returning edge-rusher Shaquil Barrett. This Buccaneers defense held its own last season but lacked the assistance on the offensive end to compete with other top units.

Disruptive Jameis Winston turnovers continually left the defense with their backs against the wall having to work from poor field position, but this year is a new opportunity to earn their rightful reputation.

With a variety of young talent, Winfield has a great chance to prove himself from the get-go as an NFL safety. Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting has been impressive in his appearances this season and Tampa Bay’s defensive front of Barrett and Suh has continued to remain an imposing presence. Winfield has the opportunity to be a backend leader on this high-ceiling defense.