Saints News Network

Saints Draft Picks: Michigan's Cesar Ruiz taken at 24th overall

The Saints make their pick at No. 24, taking Michigan offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz.

John Hendrix

The first New Orleans Saints pick of the NFL Draft is here, as the team selected offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz out of Michigan. With the way things played out, the Saints didn't trade up. Patrick Queen and Jordan Love were both available, but New Orleans chose Ruiz. This could be a sign of things to come for moving on from one of their offensive linemen.

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NFL Draft Profile - Cesar Ruiz

Athletic and tenacious with the combination of skills and technique to fit into a variety of blocking schemes on the next level. Ruiz wins early with initial quickness and fast hands into first contact. He works to convert early advantages into wins. He's consistent in securing down-blocks and has the athletic traits to become a second-level factor. He'll give some ground to power rushers and needs help against wide-bodies, but the tape checks out. Ruiz has early starting potential and should develop into a good pro with guard/center flexibility.

The Draft Network Profile

Consistently executes and connects with moving targets on the second level and longer pulls. Love how he takes opponents where they want to go, more than they want to go there and claims wins. Hands are held high and his punch is well-timed, powerful and efficient. Deliberate throughout every rep to fit his hands. Excellent body control and ability to recoil if he ever concedes ground in pass pro. Scheme versatile and offers interior position flexibility.

Saints Top Remaining Needs

  • Wide Receiver
  • Linebacker
  • Offensive Tackle
  • Secondary
  • Running Back

2020 NFL Draft Schedule

  • Friday, April 24 – 6:00 p.m. CT (Round 2-3)
  • Saturday, April 25 – 11:00 a.m. CT (Rounds 4-7)

Broadcasted on ESPN, NFL Network, and ABC.

Remaining Draft Picks

  • 3rd Round - 88th Overall
  • 4th Round - 130th Overall
  • 5th Round - 169th Overall
  • 6th Round - 203rd Overall
Published
John Hendrix
JOHN HENDRIX

I officially started covering the New Orleans Saints & other NFL topics in 2011. My work has been featured on various outlets over the years. I worked closely with Skyhorse Publishing in Fall 2018 to update the book, Tales From the New Orleans Saints Sidelines, which filled in all Saints material from the 2013-2017 seasons. Prior to joining Saints News Network, I served as the Managing Editor of SB Nation's Canal Street Chronicles for 3.5 years, and before that with FanSided's Who Dat Dish as the Managing Editor for several years. I have also had experiences of being a freelance Saints reporter for The Sun Herald in Biloxi, MS and a contributing writer for WDSU, a local NBC TV station in New Orleans. I have appeared on a vast amount of TV and Radio shows, both nationally and locally. For tips, comments, or suggestions, please contact me at johnhendrix@saintsnews.net