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After months of speculation, we finally found out who the New Orleans Saints picked in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft: Michigan center Cesar Ruiz. But why was he so highly regarded, and were the Saints right to target him to so early in the draft?
To find out, we surveyed a variety of scouting reports and draft guides from around the NFL’s orbit. Here’s what we learned.
One positive scouting report came from Dane Brugler at The Athletic, who ranked Ruiz the second-best center in the draft behind LSU’s Lloyd Cushenberry. Brugler praised Ruiz for his extensive starting experience and gift for understanding the game. He wrote:
Overall, Ruiz’s technique tends to break down when rushed, but he is very steady in pass protection and continues to grow as a run blocker, displays all the ingredients to be a longtime NFL starting center.
Over at The Draft Network, Ruiz was the highest-rated interior offensive lineman (all guards and centers put together) and the 28th best prospect on their combined big board. One analyst, Joe Marino, wrote of Ruiz’s NFL projection:
For such a massive man, Ruiz displays outstanding mobility and he is highly effective working laterally and in space. His versatility extends beyond just the ability to play any spot along the interior, he has the attributes needed to thrive in both gap and zone blocking run schemes.
Conversely, TDN’s Kyle Crabbs wrote in his scouting report that while Ruiz is an excellent prospect at center, but teams shouldn’t try to move him out to guard:
Ruiz brings desirable strength in one on one scenarios but also provides nimble quickness as a puller and in pass protection. His lack of length regulates him to manning the middle as a center only, but he’s a cerebral and polished player leaving Michigan and should provide stability and effective communication at the heart of whichever offensive line he calls home.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper also listed Ruiz as this year’s best interior offensive lineman, thanks to his experience at guard and 26 games played at center. Ruiz was his 26th rated overall prospect.
The lowest ranking came from NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah, who put Ruiz as his 37th ranked player. But Jeremiah still liked Ruiz enough to compare him to a three-time All-Pro who was selected for five Pro Bowls in his brief career:
Ruiz is an extremely consistent, physical and aware center. In pass protection, he has a tight punch and immediate anchor. His lower body is outrageously strong. He is very aware vs. twists/stunts. He lacks elite foot quickness, but he doesn’t have any issues sliding and redirecting to stay square vs. defenders. In the run game, he latches and runs his feet to create movement. He is outstanding on combo blocks, staying under control, locating and walling off linebackers. His lack of foot quickness shows up on outside pulls. Overall, Ruiz reminds me of Travis Frederick coming out of Wisconsin.
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