As the 2020 NFL Draft nears, the Los Angeles Rams have been focused on their offensive line, but the interior portion of the line remains a mystery. With Austin Blythe returning this season to the Rams, the team has last season’s starting center back in the fold. But is that where he will play? The NFL Draft presents several versatile interior offensive linemen on the big board. Michigan’s junior center Cesar Ruiz is front and center on most draft boards. Could he fit on the Rams’ squad?
College Stats and Honors
Ruiz is a 6’ 4” and 320-pound center who just finished his third season at the University of Michigan. After starting 26 games over the last two seasons, Ruiz declared he would bypass his senior season and enter the NFL Draft.
He has garnered All-Big Ten credentials as a Wolverine. In 2019, he was a second team and coach’s selection. As a sophomore he was named to the third-team and coaches selection in 2018.
PROS
After viewing game film, Ruiz was a key cog in the Wolverine run game. His quickness to attack his blocking assignment often broke the Michigan running backs for big gains. He proves to be athletic and strong throughout this game film. In one view, Ruiz could be seen moving laterally to his right with ease, and speed while controlling his block. In another clip, he showed great strength in moving his block to where he wanted the defender to be and then moving into the second level to pick up other defenders.
If speed and agility is what you are looking for in an interior lineman, Ruiz surely possesses such strengths. At the NFL Scouting Combine the former Wolverine ran a 5.08-second 40-yard dash, and pressed 28 reps of 225 pounds at the bench placing him ninth and sixth, respectively out of 40 tested offensive linemen.
CONS
Not being able to detect very many weaknesses in Ruiz play, The Draft Network implies Ruiz could be more mobile with weight loss, possibly a playing weight at 310 pounds. He could be more patient in his pass protection techniques. Among their thoughts were his “antsy” feet and the loss of his base while performing the blocks. Communication with the guards seemed to be an issue bringing this final thought, he “didn’t always appear comfortable when uncovered on a passing down.” In truth, many of these are nitpicks, but that’s not to say they don’t matter. Some of these issues could manifest into larger issues down the line.
The case for the Rams
According to ESPN, Ruiz is the No. 1 center in the NFL Draft. He grades higher than the 2019 NFL Draft’s top center, Garrett Bradbury, who went as the 18th pick in that draft.
Ruiz also presents versatility, which the Rams need to be looking for this year, because he can also play guard. He started five games for Michigan at guard. That would give L.A. a great option and decision to make with Blythe able to do the same thing.
Draft experts clearly list Ruiz as the number one center in the NFL Draft. And he isn’t even the best interior lineman in the draft coming from the 2019 Wolverine team. Ben Bredeson is the No. 1 guard in the draft.
The Rams have garnered another second round pick this week after trading Brandin Cooks. Could they be positioning themselves for another trade into the first round? That’s what they will have to do to get a talent like Ruiz.
Anything is possible, especially where the Rams are concerned.
Sources: ESPN.com, TheDraftNetwork.com
You can follow Bob Smith on Twitter @amoresports. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
