2020 NFL Draft: 3 most underhyped NFL rookies entering 2020
By Cory Kinnan
IOL Cesar Ruiz, New Orleans Saints
It was not a sexy pick, but the New Orleans Saints hit the jackpot with their selection of Michigan center Cesar Ruiz. While they have Erik McCoy on the roster and at the top of their depth chart at the starting position, Ruiz will look to move to guard and replace the recently released Larry Warford for the Saints in 2020.
Ruiz is not only a great leader, but was a force along the interior of the Michigan Wolverines’ offensive line in 2019. He shows excellent mobility and agility to get laterally towards the boundary when pulling and in outside-zone schemes. As the Saints look to preserve the remaining career of Drew Brees, adding a player as intelligent as Ruiz will reduce the drop off from Warford significantly.
The interior offensive line class from the 2020 NFL Draft was lacking, and given the positional value of the position, Ruiz fell almost out of the first round. This, however, does not mean he should not have the attention of a high powered first round pick.
3 most overhyped rookies entering 2020. dark. Next
Ruiz is a day-one starter who will quickly outplay his draft position in 2020. It will not be a surprise to see him become one of the top interior offensive linemen in the league within the first few years of his professional career.