San Francisco 49ers: Round 1 big board for the 2020 NFL Draft

Henry Ruggs can do essentially everything Justin Jefferson can do on the field, but better. If anything, the only knock against Ruggs is his relatively shortish 5-foot-11 frame.

But when one considers Ruggs’ 42-inch vertical leap at the NFL Combine, it’s hard to say the lack of height works against him. Ruggs is just as adept going after those 50-50 leap balls, too.

Ruggs’ vertical leap wasn’t the only impressive part about his performance at the combine. Instead, most were certainly talking about his blazing-fast 4.27 40-yard dash, which nearly set a record for the event.

And considering how much Kyle Shanahan prioritizes speed within his offense, it’s hard to imagine Ruggs in a Niners uniform without getting excited.

The 49ers could use a speedy deep threat, particularly if they’re truly trying to move on from oft-injured wide receiver Marquise Goodwin this offseason. A player like Ruggs stretches the field, giving Shanahan a young and promising deep threat, who’ll also open things up for fellow wideout Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle.

The problem, however, is Ruggs is no longer considered a pick within the 20s in Round 1. His exceptional NFL Combine likely means he’s going within the top 20, perhaps even within the first 10 selections.

Still, San Francisco would be silly to pass on Ruggs at No. 31 if he were to somehow fall when the 2020 NFL Draft kicks off on April 23.