3. Cesar Ruiz, Michigan (C)
Size: 6-3, 307
The Good: He brings the blast, and he can do it from any of the three positions in the interior. The size is ideal for an all-star center, but his run blocking abilities can make him an instant guard if needed.
Able to move a little bit, he’ll be able to handle himself well in pass protection, he’s got the athleticism to go along with the body type NFL teams are looking for.
"Every drill Cesar Ruiz does, he just looks so good." – @ShaunOHara60 @_OverCees 📈
📺: @nflnetwork | #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/P9RIRzGLRF
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) February 29, 2020
The Not-So-Good: There’s not a whole lot of bulk, and there’s not a lot of room to get any bigger. He’s an athletic center – hardly a bad thing – but he’ll need to be flanked by raw bulk. If you want to get a bit nitpicky, he’s a tad bit of a tweener if he gets drafted by someone who doesn’t instantly need a center. He can play at guard, but that’s not really is regular NFL position.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: A ten-year starter at center, it’s going to take a little bit to get up and going, but he’ll grow into rock-solid producer who’ll take over a line. It would be nice if he was a little bit bigger, but you’ll trade that for his ability to move.
Projected Round: Late First, Early Second