Les Snead is as unpredictable as NFL general managers come, so it’s difficult to know which direction he and the Los Angeles Rams will go in the second round of the upcoming draft. They clearly need help on the offensive line, but the defense could use some reinforcements at linebacker and at edge rusher.
In Pro Football Focus’ mind, the best-case scenario for the Rams involves one of the draft’s top centers being available at No. 52 in the second round. Cesar Ruiz out of Michigan is a fringe first-rounder but considering how much teams deprioritize centers, he could slip into the second round.
Here’s what PFF wrote about a situation where Ruiz falls to the Rams at 52.
The Rams desperately need help on the interior of the offensive line, especially at center where they combined to produce the third-lowest pass-block grade in the NFL. While they might not own a first-round pick, they may get lucky and have the best center available to them 52nd overall in Cesar Ruiz. At just 20 years old, Ruiz posted the second-highest pass-block grade among all FBS centers. His run-blocking isn’t polished, but there are few flaws in his pass-pro. Ruiz is precisely what the Rams need.
It’s hard to argue with the case PFF is making. Brian Allen looked overmatched at center last season and Austin Blythe may be needed at guard. Center is the Rams’ weakest position right now, especially with Allen coming off a significant knee injury.
Ruiz would be an immediate upgrade over both Allen and Blythe, and getting him in Round 2 would be a bargain for Los Angeles.
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