PSO Scouting Report: IOL Cesar Ruiz (Michigan)

PSO’s original Scouting Reports strive to be uniquely valuable in evaluating a player’s future outlook by focusing on the four main subjects that summarize a player’s likelihood of succeeding at the next level including: natural Physical Tools, College Game Film, proven Production, and overall Risk that each individual player presents to a team drafting him. For a full breakdown of PSO’s Scouting Reports, click here.

Bio

Pos: IOL

Hometown: Camden, NJ

School: Michigan

Class: Junior

Age: 21

Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 307 lbs

Hands: 11” | Arms: 33.13”

Bench: 28 reps | 40-YD: 5.04s

Facts to Know

2nd-Team All-Big Ten in 2019
5-star high school recruit — #1 Center
No sacks, just 9 pressures allowed in 2019
2nd-highest pass blocking grade among all Centers (86.5)

Physical Tools

Pros

Huge, strong hands (11″)
Powerful lower body (33″ vertical, 113″ broad)
Answered the one question about his strength (28 reps)
SPARQ rating in the 77th percentile for IOL
5.04s 40 time sits in the 84th percentile of IOL
Clearly an above-average athlete for the position

Cons

Mediocre frame (6’3”, 307 lbs)
Arm length not ideal (33.13″ arms)
Not a ridiculous athlete like some potential 1st Rd OL

Grade: A-

Game Film

Pros

Great burst & powerful hands stunt many rushes before they even get started
Consistently advances to the 2nd level after securing his block
Rides with defenders to wear themselves out
Natural anchor ability will continue improving with added strength
Impressive puller in the run game
Proven high-quality versatility at Guard and Center

Cons

Some trouble with larger power rushers
Struggles to keep his eyes up and widen base
Must further develop finesse components to deal with quick DL in the NFL
Hand technique and timing could use work

Grade: B+

Production

Pros

2nd-Team All-Big Ten (2019)
3rd-Team All-Big Ten (2018)
2nd-highest pass blocking grade among centers (86.5)
81.1 true pass set grade
0 sacks, just 9 pressures allowed in 2019
36 career games, 32 starts over 3 seasons

Cons

Mediocre PFF run blocking grades (64.9)
Never graded above 70.5 overall

Grade: A-

Risk

Pros

5-star high school recruit (#1 center)
Pro-style system at Michigan
Plenty of natural power and mobility
3-year starter at both Guard and Center
Very intelligent & revels in leadership roles
Versatility can fit into most offensive schemes

Cons

Run-heavy scheme, not used to pass blocking 50+ snaps in a game
Needs to keep adding strength & good weight
Hand technique & eye discipline could improve

Grade: B+

Overall

A 3-year starter at both Guard and Center, Cesar Ruiz grew into arguably the sturdiest IOL in the Big Ten, a conference well-known for its development of offensive linemen. Anchoring one of the country’s better OL units, Ruiz is battle-tested, intelligent, athletic, versatile, and most importantly, a leader.

While Michigan’s offense was relatively run-heavy (55%), Ruiz graded out as a premier interior pass-blocker, allowing 0 sacks his Junior Year. His experience in a pro-style system, positional and schematic versatility, along with a solid frame and athletic profile make for a high-floor prospect that should become a starter sooner rather than later.

Pro Comp: C Mike Pouncey (Miami Dolphins)

Projected Round: Late-1st/early-2nd round

Prime Destinations: NE, SEA, BAL, SF, KC, PIT

OVERALL Grade: B+