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While the world adjusts to no sports actually taking place, things such as NFL free agency and college football recruiting have taken center stage amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Though the complexion of the annual NFL Draft — this year slated to take place in Las Vegas — will certainly have a different look than anticipated, it’s still set to go on, though without its customary audience.
That said, many now-former Wolverines didn’t get a chance to show off their skills at the NFL Scouting Combine earlier this month, in favor of working out at Michigan’s Pro Day, which had been scheduled for March 13. However, that event was canceled as the pandemic truly began to take hold in the United States.
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Thus, those who were slated to be high-end draft picks are still the ones with the advantage, and one former Wolverine is still anticipated to be either a first or second day pick.
ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper released his latest mock draft earlier this week, and prognosticates that the one former Michigan player who has frequently made his way into first-round mocks will be selected by the reigning Super Bowl champions at No. 32 overall.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Cesar Ruiz, C/G, Michigan
The Super Bowl champs haven’t made many moves this offseason, but their positions of need are clear: cornerback and interior offensive line. Kendall Fuller signed a big deal in Washington, and Bashaud Breeland is still on the market, leaving big shoes to fill. But with Noah Igbinoghene gone to San Francisco one pick earlier, I don’t have a corner with a first-round grade on my board. So let’s give the Chiefs Ruiz, who could slide to guard to replace Stefen Wisniewski.
Ruiz was one of the eleven former Michigan players in attendance in Indianapolis for the combine that actually participated fully.
Now it’s looking like that was a prescient move on his part.
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