[jwplayer gKwwgH3r-XNcErKyb]
Go and get paid, young man.
For the second consecutive year, Michigan put a player into the NFL via the first-round of the draft, with two going in 2019 and one in 2020. While we obviously got to see both Devin Bush and Rashan Gary take the field this past season, now we know — assuming a season does, indeed, take place — that Cesar Ruiz will have that opportunity.
The New Orleans Saints — who selected Ruiz with the No. 24 overall draft pick in the 2020 NFL Draft — signed the bulk of its rookie class on Monday, and the former Wolverines center now can take the field and start participating in the team’s training camps and OTAs.
Signed, sealed, DELIVERED ✍️
Let's get to work, @_OverCees!! ⚜️ pic.twitter.com/DmjwoIQVVr
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 27, 2020
At Michigan, Ruiz was a cemented starter at center for two seasons — 2018-19 — but also got some starting experience his first season as a true freshman, playing at right guard when incumbent Michael Onwenu was out with injury. He opted to forgo his senior season in order to pursue his career in the NFL — a gamble that paid off greatly.
In New Orleans, it’s currently unclear whether or not Ruiz will play center or guard.
NFL.com praised Ruiz with the announcement of his signing, noting that he brings a lot to the table.
Ruiz, the No. 24 overall pick out of Michigan, brings a bulldozing blocker with athleticism to pull to the middle of the Saints’ offensive line. Ruiz owns the ability to play center and guard.
Ruiz will likely be paired with the Saints’ 2019 draft pick in Erik McCoy in a revamped interior offensive line.