Draft Update: Eagles doing their homework on Michigan Center Cesar Ruiz
11 April 2020 DRAFT
An underrated need for the Philadelphia Eagles is offensive line. They’re offensive line is good.. for now. They’re not getting younger and sometimes, you have to take the talent when it comes available.
This year, the Eagles have the chance to take their future center. And, supposedly, they’ve been doing a lot of homework on Michigan center and Camden native, Cesar Ruiz.
? Eagles have been doing their homework on Michigan center Cesar Ruiz who is rated the #1 center in the NFL Draft
Ruiz has spoken with the Eagles multiple times
The Camden, New Jersey native tells @6abc his mom would very happy if he goes to Philly#NFLDraft #Michigan pic.twitter.com/2PIeHtYRPS
— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) April 11, 2020
Taking a center and having him take a season to develop under the league’s best, Jason Kelce, is not an opportunity a lot of teams can afford to take. However, the Eagles can.
Here’s a scouting report on Ruiz from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.
“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.”
Like last season when the Eagles took tackle Andre Dillard, they saw an opportunity to make their team better for the long run, not just the season.
? Camden native & Michigan center Cesar Ruiz on Possibly Getting Drafted by Eagles to @6abc
“If I play for Philly, my mom would loose it… that would be really amazing for my mom… it would mean a lot… growing up in this area and playing 20 minutes from home would be crazy” https://t.co/TcyZ0WkiaZ pic.twitter.com/6gjr2V9ABH
— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) April 12, 2020
Theoretically, the Eagles can take a wide receiver in round one to address an immediate need and hopefully acquire a go to man for Carson Wentz for a long time. Then, add players who’ll ensure the Eagles don’t fall off when a few key starters retire, like Kelce.
Ruiz is the number one center in this years draft. He can go anywhere from end of the first round to the second round. He’s expected to go in the second round, in fact, the Eagles might have to move up to get him. It’ll definitely be interesting to see if they elect to do so.
Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports