Tag: Cesar Ruiz

One Wolverine makes a big move up in latest NFL.com mock draft

One Wolverine moves into the heart of the first-round in the latest NFL.com mock draft.

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For awhile, it seemed like Michigan wasn’t going to have a high-level NFL draft pick this upcoming April, after putting players in the high rounds for most of the past few seasons.

Then, with a strong outing by Josh Uche in the Reese’s Senior Bowl, it looked like that would change. And now we’re seeing one former Wolverine looking more likely as a first-round pick. But despite Uche’s post all-star showcase hype, he’s not the one starting to get first-round projections.

In the latest NFL.com three-round mock draft by Chad Reuter, Uche is still listed as a third-round pick — though we anticipate that to change after his turn in the NFL Scouting Combine later this month. Instead, it’s junior center Cesar Ruiz who’s flying up draft boards as of late, with Reuter including him in the highest pick we’ve seen yet, at No. 22 overall to the Buffalo Bills.

The Bills’ guard play was less than stellar in 2019. Ruiz started at guard early in his career at Michigan, but moved to center with Ben Bredeson and Michael Onwenu manning either side of him.

The highest we’d seen Ruiz go was 31st overall, but he’s clearly moving up in the eyes of many prognosticators.

Reuter also has two Wolverines going in the third-round, with guard Ben Bredeson being selected at No. 74 by the Cleveland Browns and Uche going at No. 83 to the New York Jets.

Detroit Lions All-University of Michigan mock draft

With mock drafts coming in left and right, ever curious to see what if the Detroit Lions drafted from just the University of Michigan? It may not be as crazy as you might think.

Mock drafts are everywhere right now and the majority of them have the Detroit Lions taking either Jeffery Okudah, Chase Young, Derrick Brown, or Isaiah Simmons with their first pick.

After a while, the mundanity can set in seeing the same few players getting slated to the Lions, so we at Lions Wire decided to add a twist to traditional mock drafts by introducing a series of mock drafts that select prospects exclusively from one school.

To kick off the series, we are staying in-state and beginning with the University of Michigan.

Round 1

Pre-combine there may be only one Wolverine that might receive first-round consideration, interior offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz.

Ruiz has been gaining steam as of late to a point being regarded as the top interior lineman in the draft. He a versatile chess piece having played both center and guard while at Michigan and can fit into any scheme. With his strong mobility in space and heavy anchor, he was the highest-graded pass blocking center in 2019 through PFF. With it looking more likely Graham Glasgow leaves in free agency, the Lions could look to dip their toes in another versatile Michigan lineman to help the offensive line.

The Lions are too far up in the draft to take Ruiz, but if the Lions make a trade and acquire the 26th pick from the Dolphins, the Lions could theoretically take Ruiz to shore up the gaps that plaque the offensive line at the bottom of the first round. If Ruiz has a strong showing at the combine, he could boost his draft stock and go from a fringe first-round prospect to a sure one.

The Lions have a need at Ruiz’s position and he could anchor the vacant guard spot for years to come.

Round 2

I feel like there are two Michigan products the Lions could tag as their second-round pick, JACK linebacker Joshua Uche or receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. Uche enjoyed a major rise to his draft stock after a dominant showing at the Senior bowl and Lions fans instantly fell in love with the local product.

He was able to show he can handle not only edge rushing, but play sticky coverage on tight ends and running backs. With his versatility as a JACK/SAM linebacker, he screams fit for the Lions.

People-Jones production in Michigan was something left to be desired considering how much of big-bodied receiver he was but with the low level of targets, it’s hard to lay the blame solely on him. With his size, speed, and ball skills, he could easily be a productive receiver at the next level. Even though his route running could improve, he has the look of receiver coaches who would love to get their hands on.

Even though the Lions have another high second-round pick, one could make an argument for either player to be the Lions’ selection. Uche will help shore up a disappointing pass rush and People-Jones could become a versatile piece in the receiving corps. It would be tempting to give Matthew Stafford another weapon, but the Lions need to look at improving their defense and Uche will help in not only edge pressure, but strong coverage abilities where the Lions lack in their linebackers.

Round 3

The Wolverines had one of the more impressive offensive interior lines this past season and the Lions could look to double-dip into that talent by selecting guard Ben Bredeson in the third round after selecting Ruiz in the first round.

Bredeson might not be as athletic as his counterpart, Ruiz, but he makes up for it with strength and power. He will plant you in the ground and have a smile on his face doing it because he loves setting the tone early. With his strong physicality, he is a great fit in a man heavy scheme perfect for what the Lions what to do in the trenches.

Even though the Lions tagged Ruiz as their first-round pick, the guard spot is in a flux and could use more bodies and they could do worse than Bredeson manning one of those spots or provide a quality backup.

 Round 4/5

The Lions’ secondary could use some help and thankfully for them the Wolverines offer a couple of intriguing options Day 3 of the draft, cornerback Lavert Hill and linebacker/safety Khaleke Hudson.

Hill’s skill set allows him to play outside, but because of his size, he is more favored to play in the slot. Having only one season of starter experience his production is minimal, but between his sticky man coverage, strength, and ball skills, he could be a diamond in the rough in the later round. The Lions could use him a potential prodigy to Coleman and provide depth on the outside in case of injuries.

Hudson is going to be one of the player’s teams might not know how to use him having played the VIPER position during his Michigan tenure. Essentially think of Hudson as a poor man’s Isiah Simmions, a free-roaming defensive chess piece, having logged snaps at off-ball linebacker, edge defender, slot corner, box safety, and deep safety. If a smart team can get ahold of him and figure out the best way to use the versatile defender they could have a player who can match up well against offenses. Since the Lions love versatile players, Hudson could match up well, starting on special teams, but could work his way to defensive snaps.

With their second fifth-round pick, the Lions might have to reach a little bit to grab a Michigan player, but tight end Sean McKeon could match up well in the Lions offense. McKeon is of those versatile tight ends who could be a three-down player with strong skills at catching and blocking. He is a technical, smart player who understands how to use leverage to his advantage and either seal off defenders or find the open spot for the catch.

The Lions likely aren’t looking for a top tight end after taking T.J Hockenson in the first round last year and signing Jesse James to a big contract, but McKeon could be one of those players who can sneak in and provide quality play as a TE3 for the Lions.

Round 6

Late in this draft, you aren’t looking for someone to contribute immediately, but the Lions could select this once highly regarded prospect who they got a first-hand look at the Senior Bowl, quarterback Shea Patterson.

Even though Patterson showed good mobility and arm strength, accuracy has plagued him constantly. He has the ability to extend plays but might tend to panic quickly and take off if his first read isn’t available or take the check down option. Patterson does have the tangibles to slide into a backup role and maybe, with some good coaching, groom into something bigger. Since the Lions were able to coach Patterson at the Senior Bowl, they know what they are getting with him and possibly vision a role for him.

Summary

Here is how the Lions draft could shape up with all Michigan players:

Late 1st- Cesar Ruiz, C
2nd- Joshua Uche, JACK
3rd- Ben Bredeson, G
4th- Lavert Hall, CB
5th- Khaleke Hudson, LB/S
5th- Sean McKeon, TE
6th- Shea Patterson, QB

Now some of the players may be reaches at this time, but with the Combine still to go, it is hard to tell how the draft will play out. Uche, Bredeson, Hudson, McKeon, and previously mentioned Patterson all participated at the Senior Bowl, so the Lions got a personal look at the majority of these players and General Manager Bob Quinn love drafting from the Senior bowl.

The University of Michigan will be well represented with the second most participating players giving the Lions another opportunity to get a first-hand look at the players. So it’s not out of the realm of possibilities to see some of these players finding their way on the Lions roster come draft day.

PFF NFL mock draft 2.0 sees one Wolverine taken in 2 rounds

Where the scouting site sees the standout Wolverines center going at the NFL Draft in April.

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Could a Michigan player be making his way to broadway? One NFL mock draft sure thinks so.

The Wolverines don’t have many players projected to go in the top end of the NFL Draft this April, at least not according to mock drafts in the pre-combine period. Once the NFL Scouting Combine starts later this month, that could certainly change, but different prognosticators are all across the board as to what Michigan player will go first, and when. Though Josh Uche has drawn a lot of praise after standing out at the Reese’s Senior Bowl last month, another is starting to get more and more consistent praise.

We’ve now seen some mock drafts with departing junior center Cesar Ruiz going as high as the late first-round. While scouting site Pro Football Focus hasn’t been quite as high on him, they’ve been high on him in general, as one of the site’s top 50 draft eligible players. That’s continued into PFF’s second NFL mock draft, with Ruiz going to the NY Jets in the second-round.

48. NEW YORK JETS – C CESAR RUIZ, MICHIGAN

Ruiz has been Michigan’s starting center ever since he was a true sophomore in 2018. He’s been one of the best pass-protecting centers in the country over that span with only 19 pressures allowed on 895 pass-blocking snaps.

Should Ruiz’s seeming emergence into a late-first/second-round pick hold, then he’ll assuredly have made the right decision leaving Michigan a year early.

Michigan second-most with 11 NFL Scouting Combine invites

The Wolverines have the second-most players invited to Indianapolis of any school in college football.

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NFL mock drafts have been all across the board as it pertains to Michigan. But it’s undeniable that the Wolverines has talent in 2019.

The maize and blue lost two draft-eligible juniors who declared, but also have nine seniors that very well could find their name picked come April in the NFL Draft.

But the road to Las Vegas starts later this month in Indianapolis with the annual NFL Scouting Combine, and the Wolverines boast the second-most invitees, tied with Ohio State with 11, but behind LSU who has 16.

That said, there’s a strong case to be made that all 11 could be drafted.

While most mocks to this point don’t include any now-former Michigan players in the first-round, we’ve seen some with center Cesar Ruiz near the tail end, and we wouldn’t be surprised if Josh Uche makes a push.

Here’s all 11 invitees:

  • Ben Bredeson, OL
  • Lavert Hill, DB
  • Khaleke Hudson, LB
  • Sean McKeon, TE
  • Josh Metellus, DB
  • Michael Onwenu, OL
  • Shea Patterson, QB
  • Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR
  • Cesar Ruiz, OL
  • Jon Runyan Jr., OL
  • Josh Uche, LB

7-round NFL mock draft sees 8 Wolverines picked

The site predicts all seven rounds of the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft and has 8 Wolverines going to the league formally.

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It seemed obvious coming out of the 2016 season that Michigan was going to have a bevy of NFL Draft picks. 11 selections later, the Wolverines led all teams with players coming out of Ann Arbor headed to the pro ranks.

It’s been slim pickings since then, with just a handful of former Michigan players going each year, but the 2020 NFL Draft looks like it could certainly have a maize and blue flair.

At least according to Bleacher Report.

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NFL Draft prognosticator Matt Miller put together his post-Super Bowl seven-round mock draft this week, and an astonishing eight Wolverines made the class of 256 players selected overall, including one surprise going in the first-round.

Miller explained why he has former Michigan center Cesar Ruiz, who left a year of eligibility on the table, picked 31st overall by the NFL runner-up San Francisco 49ers.

The 49ers clearly have a defense talented enough to win the big games and have promising young players on offense, led by Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. Up next to improve is the interior offensive line.

Cesar Ruiz is the draft’s best center and has shown the ability to handle power and speed on the inside. He’s smart, athletic and versatile enough to handle the 49ers’ zone-blocking scheme at any inside spot.

Here’s all of the Michigan picks as predicted by Miller:

  • 31, (1): OC Cesar Ruiz, San Francisco 49ers
  • 44, (2): WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, Indianapolis Colts
  • 70, (3): EDGE Josh Uche, Miami Dolphins
  • 100, (3): OL Ben Bredeson, Seattle Seahawks
  • 171, (5): LB Khaleke Hudson, Baltimore Ravens
  • 207. (6): TE Sean McKeon, Jacksonville Jaguars
  • 216, (7): S Josh Metellus, Cincinnati Bengals
  • 228, (7): CB Lavert Hill, Indianapolis Colts

There are two notable omissions here, of course. Miller has QB Shea Patterson and OL Michael Onwenu both as undrafted in his seven-round mock — though it’s likely that one or both could be late-round picks by an NFL franchise.

Of course, we’ll have a better idea later this month when the NFL Scouting Combine kicks off, putting much more of the upcoming draft in perspective.

PFF: One Wolverine makes top 10 interior OL on NFL Draft board

The junior makes the scouting website’s list for best interior offensive linemen available for the NFL Draft.

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Michigan is losing the bulk of its offensive line, in more ways than one.

With three seniors and one early-entrant, four of the five offensive linemen from 2019 are gone, with eyes on the NFL. Some have better chances than others to be selected in the April NFL Draft in Las Vegas, and with excellent showings in the post-season all-star bowl games, both left guard Ben Bredeson and right guard Michael Onwenu both put in bids to be among the selectees called to the stage in two months.

But neither are the ones scouting website Pro Football Focus forecasts among their top ten offensive linemen entering the draft.

That distinction goes to junior center Cesar Ruiz, a two-year starter at the position who decided shortly after the VRBO Citrus Bowl that he would forgo his final year in maize and blue. When it comes to interior linemen, Ruiz is the only junior included in PFF’s list.

9. CESAR RUIZ, MICHIGAN

Draft Board Rank: 94th

The lone true junior on this list, Ruiz declared early because he’s already shown all the physical tools needed to succeed at center in the NFL. He’s so graceful for a 6-foot-4, 320-pound center that you often forget just how big he really is when watching his tape. He’s still not quite a power player, though, as indicated by his 64.9 run-blocking grade from last year, but at only 20 years of age, he could still develop a good deal physically.

While we’re not doubting that Ruiz could go as high as the second or third-round, it seems unlikely that both Bredeson and Onwenu didn’t help their cases for high draft inclusion with their showings this past month. Also, PFF’s lack of placing either is surprising, given the praise they’ve shown both throughout the year, given that both were exceptional in pass blocking in 2019.

Four Wolverines make Mel Kiper’s top 10 NFL Draft big board by position

Several Wolverines are standing out early in the eyes of the NFL Draft guru.

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The Wolverines looking to make a name for themselves ahead of the NFL Draft in April have a big week to do just that, given the Reese’s Senior Bowl practices have been underway with plenty of scouts in attendance.

But, it’s not all about the seniors who are departing Ann Arbor, but some of the juniors who don’t get to participate in such a showcase.

The prominent voice in all-things NFL Draft is ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., who just released his first mock draft and big board for 2020. While no Michigan players made either the first round of 32 or Kiper’s top 25 players, he did separate the top ten players available by position, and four former Wolverines made those lists, including one at the very top.

The name that was highest for Kiper was former team captain Ben Bredeson, who headlined his top ten offensive guards available, coming in at the No. 1 spot. But he isn’t the only offensive lineman to get strong consideration as center Cesar Ruiz — who is forgoing his senior year to enter the pro ranks — came in as Kiper’s third-best center.

The other two players that Kiper is high on are both senior defensive players, as Josh Metellus came in as the No. 8 safety. Josh Uche had another year of eligibility, despite being in Ann Arbor for four years, and Kiper sees him as the 7th-best outside linebacker.

However, Uche can really make a name for himself at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, where he’s already made a strong impression during practices.

Notably absent in the lists are both senior QB Shea Patterson — who’s had an up-and-down go of things in the week-long preparation for the Reese’s Senior Bowl — but perhaps more notably wideout Donovan Peoples-Jones, who declared for the NFL Draft early, despite having another year of eligibility. Given that he had a year where he could improve his draft stock, that he isn’t on Kiper’s list of top ten wide receivers as of current means that Peoples-Jones will have to rely heavily on both the NFL Scouting Combine and his Pro Day workout to fly up draft boards.

One Wolverine makes The Athletic’s two-round NFL mock draft

One player made The Athletic’s two-round mock draft.

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Remember 2017, when Michigan not only led the NFL Draft with 11 picks, but also brought in the fifth-best class according to 247Sports?

Things have changed on that front, and while the Wolverines can still recruit, it seems like a rung below where it was back then. At the same time, that 2017 class has been decimated — through transfers, various departures, and now it’s the first year that those players can go to the NFL via the draft.

Looking at the 2020 NFL Draft, the expectation would have likely been that one of Michigan’s skill guys would be the one to go highest. Well, according to The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler, in his latest two-round mock draft ($), it’s an offensive lineman that will be first off the board — and at a position that many in the NFL tend not to prioritize.

Outgoing Michigan junior Cesar Ruiz surprised many when he announced he was leaving the program after just his third season. But, it looks like it could pay off, as Brugler has the former IMG Academy man in the middle going in the second-round of his mock draft — which according to Brugler, would make him the highest Wolverine takcn. He has Ruiz being picked late, at No. 60 overall to the Baltimore Ravens.

Looking at the rest of the mock, there’s plenty of names that will assuredly make Michigan fans’ skin crawl. With three Ohio State players in the first-round (five overall), and players like OT Isaiah Wilson, who was long a heavy Michigan lean before a late change of heart towards Georgia, at No. 25 or Louisville OT Mekhi Becton — who the Wolverines wanted, but didn’t pursue quite as heavily as they could have, likely because of the aforementioned Wilson — at No. 11.

While OSU’s five players seem like a ton to go in the first two rounds, Michigan’s most recent opponent even surpasses that. The Alabama Crimson Tide — which took a solid defensive second-half to ultimately put away the Wolverines — have an astounding eight players being selected in the first two-rounds according to Brugler.

Read The Athletic’s entire mock draft here ($ – subscription required)

Michigan football offense grades from the 2019 season

Michigan football ended their season 9-4 with some big losses in big games. When looking at the offense, how did everything go?

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Headed into the 2019 season for Michigan there was a lot of hype around the team, more than it ever it seemed like. They were favorites to win the Big Ten Championship with Ohio State losing their head coach Urban Meyer and replaced with Ryan Day. They hired Josh Gattis from Alabama to be their offensive coordinator and preached “Speed in Space” all off-season long.

Michigan got quarterback Shea Patterson back for his senior year. After deciding to return to Michigan for another year, Patterson brought back leadership and experience. The biggest return besides Patterson was the healthy trio of wide receivers in Donovan Peoples-Jones, Nico Collins, and Tarik Black. They would look to dominate for the first time together as a group and with this new offense, they could excel their abilities.

While those two positions looked strong, the running back room looked questionable. With Chris Evans getting suspended for the entire season due to academics, Michigan lost their best receiving running back, and one that was fast and shifty, making defenders left and right miss. They would have to rely on the youth that had never really played for the Wolverines yet. The offensive line would be filled with veteran starters except for right tackle as that battle was between Jalen Mayfield and Andrew Steuber, and it looked to be head coach Jim Harbaugh’s best group of guys he’s ever had.

Overall it was looked at a great chance for the Wolverines to finally claim the top spot in the Big Ten, yet, they finished the season 9-4. They beat Michigan State in back-to-back years for the first time since 2006-2007 and got revenge on Notre Dame from the loss in 2018. But when it came to taking on Wisconsin, Penn State, Ohio State, and even Alabama, Michigan couldn’t figure out how to get the job done.

With that said, it’s time to review how each position, including head coach and coordinators, did in the 2019 season, starting with the offense. While it wasn’t the result that everyone wanted, there are still some positives to take away from the 2019 season as the 2020 season is the next focus.

Quarterback: B+

Patterson had his final season in Ann Arbor be the best one he’s ever had. While he wasn’t in the Heisman conversation or blowing up the stat sheet, Patterson overall had a good year. His struggles with fumbling were the main issue in the first half of the season and it was a serious issue for him that was hurting the team. He did have some accuracy issues as well, overthrowing open wide receivers, or making some questionable throws into coverage.

The second half of the season though, his fumbling issues were almost gone, and he started clicking with his receivers on some big plays. Patterson finished the year going 214/381 with a 56.2 completion percentage for 3,061 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions, along with 87 carries for 50 yards and five touchdowns. The completion percentage was his worst since his freshman year at Ole Miss, and while he is to blame for some of the issues, there were games where the ball would be right where it needed to be and the wide receivers couldn’t hold onto the football.

Patterson was inconsistent at times and that’s not what you can be when it’s time to play in the big games. Either way, Patterson did all he could and in the end, it wasn’t enough to push Michigan to the next level.

The backups got some action this year. Backup Dylan McCaffrey went 10/20 with a 50 percent completion percentage for 116 yards and a touchdown, along with 13 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown. Third-string Joe Milton went 3/7 with a 42.9 completion percentage for 59 yards with a touchdown and an interception, along with five carries for 16 yards and a touchdown. These two will duke it out over the offseason this year and battle for the starting rights in 2020.

Running Back: B

With Evans suspended, that left freshman Zach Charbonnet as the projected starter, but he would have to earn it. Harbaugh named Tru Wilson the starter at the Big Ten Media Days, but Wilson would never start. Charbonnet would eventually start, but as the season progressed, that job went to Hassan Haskins. Those three running backs, along with Christian Turner, would see some playing time, but it was Charbonnet and Haskins who ended up being the best of the group.

Charbonnet finished the season as the leading rusher with 149 carries for 726 yards and 14 touchdowns, along with eight catches for 30 yards. Charbonnet would have some wear and tear heading into the season coming off a minor surgery on his knee in March and he would be limited after a few games into the season, but he’d play in every game. He had the best season as a freshman running back in school history since Mike Hart back in 2004. Charbonnet has a bright future with a full off-season to prepare for the 2020 season and without going to surgery.

Haskins finished the season with 121 carries for 622 yards and four touchdowns, along with six catches for 40 yards. Haskins took advantage of the time Charbonnet was limited and forced himself to be involved with the offense more. His involvement will be interesting next season with Evans returning.

Wilson would get involved with the running game still, finishing with 44 carries for 221 yards and a touchdown, along with two catches for 14 yards. Turner, a player projected to compete for the starting running back job, only played in eight games and was pushed down the depth chart with others out-performing him. He finished the year with 44 carries for 171 yards and a touchdown, along with four catches for 13 yards.

Wide Receiver: B-

The wide receivers at Michigan were projected to have a big year in the new offense, along with the others as it fits their style and it could help them open up some lanes for the running backs as well. In the end, they weren’t as explosive as they’d like to be, but it took six games to get things to click and when things are clicking, this offense is putting up points easily.

Peoples-Jones would somewhat regress in the offense, getting only 34 catches for 438 yards and six touchdowns, along with 24 punt returns for 173 yards. 2018 saw more catches, yards, touchdowns, return yards and even a punt return touchdown for Peoples-Jones. While Peoples-Jones took a small step back, Collins improved off his sophomore campaign. Collins finished the season with 37 catches for 729 yards and seven touchdowns.

Collins and Peoples-Jones were the big two wide receivers, but Black was the third piece that has been limited since arriving in Ann Arbor in 2017 as he’s dealt with two separate foot injuries that held him to just six games the past two seasons. Black would play in 11 games this year, but his play seemed to have taken a hit, along with others around him emerging, his playtime would be limited, finishing with just 25 catches for 323 yards and a touchdown.

One of the biggest wide receivers to play big this season was Ronnie Bell, who finished as the leading receiver in yards and catches, with 47 catches for 747 yards and a touchdown. Three freshman wide receivers got involved with the offense as well, showing the future is bright at the position. Giles Jackson had nine catches for 142 yards with one touchdown, along with 10 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown. Mike Sainristil had eight catches for 145 yards and a touchdown, while Cornelius Johnson had four catches for 61 yards and a touchdown.

The biggest flaw for the group this year was dropping catches. Some of the drops were due to good hits by the defense, others were wide open and the ball would drop out of their hands. They couldn’t hold onto the football when they needed it most sometimes and that is not what you want to see when down and trying to move the ball down the field.

Tight End: C+

With the change of the offense, the tight ends wouldn’t be used as much in the passing game as their blocking was more of the focus to help the running game get extra help. Senior Sean McKeon’s final season was this year and he finished with 13 catches for 235 yards and two touchdowns. Nick Eubanks was used more as the receiver with 26 catches for 254 yards and four touchdowns.

Some of the blocking by both men was inconsistent, as one week they’d do well, the other they’d miss and struggle. With the offense not using the tight ends as much, they became less of an offensive weapon and more of a blocker, which opened up doors for more wide receivers to get in on the receiving action.

Offensive Line: A-

The lone position to get an A this season, the offensive line was the strongest it’s been at Michigan in a very long time. While Michigan would be without starting left tackle Jon Runyan Jr. for the first two games, backup Ryan Hayes did well in his place and will certainly be a starter or close to it next season. Left guard Ben Bredeson had another solid season, starting center Cesar Ruiz was great once again, and he declared for the draft after another great year, and starting right guard Michael Onwenu was huge once again.

The big battle at right tackle between Andrew Stueber and Jalen Mayfield ended before the season started as Stueber tore his ACL. Mayfield would play well as the starting right tackle and will look to defend his job in 2020 as Stueber returns and will be looking to start at that position or left tackle, possibly even at guard too.

When reviewing the season as a whole, the coaches got to get involved too…
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Michigan C Cesar Ruiz declares for 2020 NFL draft

Michigan center Cesar Ruiz is leaving school early to enter the 2020 NFL draft

An already deep class of center prospects is getting another strong addition from the Big Ten.

Michigan’s Cesar Ruiz is leaving school early to enter the 2020 NFL draft. He made his announcement via social media Friday.

A 6-4, 319-pound junior, Ruiz has made 25 of his 30 career starts at center, but his experience at guard shows the kind of versatility that will be valuable to NFL teams. One of the best pass-blocking centers in the nation, Ruiz could warrant Day 2 consideration, and he could end up being a plug-and-play starter in the right situation.

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