Las Vegas Raiders’ 2020 NFL Draft Class Check: Ruggs III, Darmon & More

The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2020 NFL draft class, including first-round picks Henry Ruggs III and Darmon Bason, has delivered mixed results in performance and durability since entering the league. Ruggs, the team’s 2020 first-round selection (No. 10 overall), has emerged as a breakout star with 2,500+ receiving yards and 15+ touchdowns in his first two seasons, while Bason’s career has been derailed by injuries, including a torn ACL that ended his rookie year. Here’s where the Raiders’ 2020 class stands in 2026.

Henry Ruggs III: From Rookie Speedster to Pro Bowler

Henry Ruggs III entered the NFL as one of the most hyped wide receivers in years, thanks to his explosive speed (4.28-second 40-yard dash) and elite hands. His rookie season in 2020 was cut short by COVID-19 protocols, but he made an immediate impact in 2021 with 1,051 yards and 10 touchdowns.

By 2024, Ruggs had solidified his role as the Raiders’ primary playmaker, recording back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons. His 2025 campaign saw him surpass 1,400 yards for the first time, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. Scouts and analysts credit his success to his adaptability—flourishing as both a deep threat and a slot receiver—while also noting his work ethic and film study habits.

"Ruggs isn’t just fast; he’s a complete route-runner and a matchup nightmare," said NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah in a 2025 interview. "He’s the kind of player who makes defenses overthink every snap."

Darmon Bason: Injury Woes and a Slow Rebuild

Darmon Bason, the Raiders’ other first-round pick (No. 21 overall), was expected to be a cornerstone of the secondary. However, a torn ACL suffered in the 2021 preseason ended his rookie year, and he has struggled to regain his pre-injury form.

Bason returned in 2023 but played just six games due to a groin injury, followed by a hamstring issue in 2024 that limited him to five games. By 2025, he had regained some confidence, recording 28 tackles and two interceptions in a part-time role. The Raiders have since shifted their cornerback depth toward younger players like Trevon Moehrig and Jermaine White.

"Bason’s talent is undeniable, but injuries have been a recurring theme," said Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce in a 2025 press conference. "We’re focused on getting him healthy and back to the level we saw in his draft combine."

Later Rounds: The Sleepers and Busts

Beyond the first-rounders, the Raiders’ 2020 class included several later-round picks with varying success:

• Javon Kinlaw (Round 2, No. 53 overall): A defensive tackle who became a key rotational player before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 2024. Kinlaw’s 12 sacks in 2023 earned him All-Pro consideration.
• Brandon Aiyuk (Round 3, No. 76 overall): Though drafted by the 49ers, Aiyuk’s development mirrors Ruggs’—a speedy receiver who became a franchise cornerstone. His inclusion here highlights how the Raiders’ draft strategy targeted explosive athletes.
• Malik Heath (Round 3, No. 86 overall): A cornerback who saw limited time due to injuries but flashed potential in short bursts. The Raiders released him in 2024 after failing to regain his draft-year form.

Why the 2020 Class Matters for the Raiders

The Raiders’ 2020 draft class exemplifies the risks and rewards of a rebuild. Ruggs has become a franchise player, while Bason’s injuries serve as a cautionary tale about the NFL’s physical demands. The class also reflects the team’s emphasis on speed and athleticism—a strategy that paid off with Ruggs but fell short with Bason.

"This draft was about long-term potential," said Raiders general manager Mike Mayock in a 2021 interview. "Some of those picks are paying dividends, while others are still works in progress."

With Ruggs entering his prime and the team investing in younger talent, the 2020 class remains a pivotal chapter in the Raiders’ resurgence.