The New York Giants need to plug several positions with fresh talent from the 2020 NFL Draft, and having the 4th and 36th overall picks allow them to grab two talented players.
At 4th overall, GM Dave Gettleman may grab an offensive tackle, but his history drafting suggests that he might wait until the second or third round to grab a developmental prospect. Alternatively, he could snag a top prospect like Andrew Thomas, Jedrick Wills, Tristan Wirfs, or Mekhi Becton.
While the offensive tackle spot does need support, the center position is also a significant void that wasn’t filled in free agency. With Jon Halapio an unrestricted free agent this offseason, the draft could be an excellent place for the Giants to grab a starter for the foreseeable future. That’s where Cesar Ruiz enters the frame.
Michigan center Cesar Ruiz is a phenomenal prospect with a chip on his shoulder. When Ruiz was eight-years-old, his father was killed, helping change someone’s tire on the shoulder of the highway. The center’s grit and toughness come from his father, and he plays with an aggressive mentality but a fundamentalistic approach.
Ruiz is a tenacious offensive lineman with impressive technique and athleticism at the center position. His quality in blocking schemes and getting to the next level in the run game makes him the top option at the position, and he could easily slip to No. 36 with a bit of luck. The Giants could use a big upgrade at the position, and he undoubtedly fits the bill.
Here’s a look at his positives and negatives, per his NFL Draft profile (Lance Zierlein):
Pros:
Cons:
This post was published on 2020-03-31 07:20