Cesar Ruiz
Summary
Cesar Ruiz was selected in the 1st round (#24th Overall) in the 2020 Draft out of the University of Michigan. Ruiz is a versatile interior offensive lineman known for his athleticism, mobility, and experience playing both center and guard in college. He entered the NFL with a high floor thanks to his consistent performance at Michigan and a skill‑set that suggested he could contribute early. While he may not have the ideal prototype size or length of some interior linemen, his quick feet, ability to move to the second level, and solid anchor give him the tools to be a long‑term starter in the league.
Strengths
Quick off the snap with agile feet: Able to mirror defenders and get into blocks smoothly. Bleacher Report
Strong lower‑body base and good anchor: Uses his thick build to absorb pressure and hold his ground in pass protection.
Mobility in space: Able to pull, climb to the second level, and operate as a lead blocker outside of the immediate box.
Positional versatility: Started at both center and guard in college, giving him flexibility to fit various interior roles. Bleacher Report
High experience level and football IQ: Played many snaps at Michigan, showed ability to handle snaps, communication responsibilities, and both run and pass‑sets.
Weaknesses
Compact build and shorter arm length for the position: May be disadvantaged when matched up against longer, power‑rush interior defenders. Maize n Brew+1
Frame and power not elite: While he anchors well, he is not an overwhelming road‑grader and could struggle vs. dominant noses or physical interior bull‑rushers. CBS Sports+1
Feet/technique need refinement under elite competition: Despite his mobility, some scouts noted that his pad level, sustain in blocks and reaction to speed‑rushers needed improvement.
Shorter career track record in pass protection vs. NFL‑caliber interior rushers: There is some question about how smoothly his transition will go to the highest level of competition.
Fit & Outlook
Ruiz is best suited for an offensive scheme that values agile, quick‑footed interior linemen who can move laterally and work in space rather than purely relying on size and brute strength. He projects as a starting center or guard who can contribute in both run‑and‑pass schemes, and his versatility enhances his fit within multiple systems — whether zone‑blocking heavy or more gap‑based. Given his mobility and experience, offenses with pulling guards/centers, second‑level blocking, or multiple interior alignments will get the most out of his skill set. In terms of outlook, Ruiz offers a fairly strong baseline: he should become a reliable starter early in his career thanks to his readiness and technical foundation. His ceiling is tied to how well he continues to refine his power, sustain blocks against top‑tier defenders, and improve consistency at the NFL level. If he leverages his mobility, further sharpens his technique, and adapts to the speed/length of pro interior defenders, he could evolve into a high‑end interior lineman — one who anchors an offensive line for years. On the flip side, if his physical limitations (length, brute power) prevent him from handling the elite rushers regularly, he may settle into a “solid starter” role rather than a dominant one. Overall, Ruiz represents a smart investment: lower risk given his readiness and versatility, with meaningful upside if development continues.