Michigan Football: Cesar Ruiz can help Saints, Drew Brees right away

Michigan football saw its fifth player drafted in the first round under Jim Harbaugh Thursday as Cesar Ruiz went to the Saints.

The Michigan football program was never going to get as many first-round draft picks as Ohio State Thursday night at the 2020 NFL draft, but that doesn’t make getting picked 24th by the New Orleans Saints any less special for Cesar Ruiz.

Ruiz was the top center recruit back in 2017 and a key part of the Wolverines 2017 recruiting class. Now, he will become a building block for the Saints as they try to win another Super Bowl with Drew Brees.

Many expected Ruiz to go in the first round and even though interior offensive lineman don’t get selected as early as offensive tackles, Ruiz isn’t your average center. He also was extremely excited to be joining the Saints.

According to ESPN.com, Ruiz is listed at 6-foot-3. He’s long and athletic and one reason he went in the first round is his versatility. As a freshman, he was time as a starting guard before starting at center his final two years for the Wolverines.

Here is the analysis from NFL.com:

"Ruiz is a high-IQ pivot with solid skills as a run blocker. He doesn’t move defenders off the ball, but he holds his own at the point and effectively creates seams at the line of scrimmage. In pass protection, he understands how to use his neighbors to slow down overpowering defensive tackles and is strong enough to anchor vs. power."

Some thought that Ruiz could go as high as No. 17 to the Dallas Cowboys, but Jerry Jones and company ended up going with CeeDee Lamb who fell down the board. Miami seemed like another possibliy, along with maybe New England.

However, when those teams passed, the Saints pounced and grabbed a centerpiece along the offensive line for the next decade. That’s what makes the pick such a good fit. Ruiz can start right away at center or even guard and either way, he will be long-term answer inside.