Mayock 'disappointed in the productivity' of Raiders' rookies

Las Vegas Raiders general manager Mike Mayock acknowledged Wednesday that first-round picks Henry Ruggs and Damon Arnette failed to meet expectations in Year 1.

"I was disappointed in the productivity of our rookies, I'll be the first person to admit that," Mayock told team reporter Levi Edwards.

The Raiders selected Ruggs 12th overall, making him the first wide receiver to come off the board in a loaded class of wideouts. He finished ninth in receiving among rookies, posting just 452 yards and two touchdowns over 13 games.

Arnette was a surprising choice at No. 19. Billed as a raw talent with athletic promise, he allowed a 129.2 passer rating when targeted, according to PFF, and failed to snatch an interception in nine appearances.

"Henry Ruggs, I think is who he is, I'm not disappointed in Henry; I think Henry has to get better," Mayock said. "We knew how fast he is, but he has to get stronger, and he has to get in and out of his breaks better. You got to feel him coming out his breaks more for him to get to the next level, and I think he will, but we have a long-term view on Henry Ruggs.

"Arnette was the other first-rounder. In training camp prior to injury, he was playing really well. We were really excited about Damon Arnette. He's instinctive, tough, and fast, but concussions, a broken hand, COVID - he's got to take care of business in the offseason. Nutrition, strength coach, consistency of a day-to-day program."

The Raiders have picked five players in the first round since Mayock - a former NFL Network draft analyst - joined the front office to aid head coach Jon Gruden with personnel. Clelin Ferrell, Johnathan Abram, Ruggs, and Arnette have had their share of struggles, while running back Josh Jacobs averaged a modest 3.9 yards per carry as a sophomore after a more prosperous rookie year.

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