Raiders poll: Do you expect big 2021 seasons from Henry Ruggs and Damon Arnette?

Last week, Las Vegas Raiders general manager Mike Mayock strongly said he expects 2020 first-round picks wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (No. 12 overall) and cornerback Damon Arnette (No. 19) to improve in their second seasons.

This is what Mayock had to say about Ruggs and Arnette, who both had disappointing rookie seasons:

“I’m excited about both of them. I don’t think there is any question in our building how talented they both are,” Mayock said. “Henry has got to get stronger. Damon has got to get stronger. They’re both spending an awful lot of time this offseason, both with the strength and also the conditioning aspects.

In my mind we are going to see different guys, and I made a comment a couple months ago about Ruggs III and about that whole class last year needing to step it up this year and I still believe that. And from Ruggs III’s perspective, the sky is the limit for this kid. We knew exactly what he was and that’s who he is. We had no surprises last year on Ruggs III. Now, he needs to take it to level two now, the next level up. Stronger, better route runner, finish, get both feet down, all those things and we think he will.

“Same thing with Arnette. Up and down year, injured, COVID-19, all kinds of different issues. We need consistency and effort and I’m a big believer in both those kids. I’m really excited to see them play this year.”

Ruggs had just 26 catches in 13 games and looked lost at times. Arnette missed seven games for various reasons and also occasionally struggled when he was on the field.

Of course they could both bounce back. Do you agree with Mayock or do you think it’s just wishful thinking that the lights will come on for both Ruggs and Arnette?

Take our poll and express your thoughts in the comment section below.