Bengals Add Pieces Around Joe Burrow in Fresh 7 Round Mock Draft
Guard. Wolverines . Cesar Ruiz. 2. player. 811.
Measurements:
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 307 lbs.
Arms: 33 1/8″
Combine:
40- 5.08 s
Bench Press- 28 reps
3 Cone Drill-7.91 s
With a large number of wide receivers and offensive tackles projected to be taken in the first round, it can be difficult to tell what position will offer the best value. One of the top linebackers could fall, but it seems doubtful. A defensive end is certainly on the table. A wideout could still slip through thanks to the historic depth in the prospect pool.
For this mock, the Bengals scoop up an interior offensive lineman in Cesar Ruiz, and he should in no way be viewed as a consolation prize.
He’s a massive man with impressive mobility for his size. He started as a true freshman at Michigan, where he manned the guard position. He then moved to center for the remainder of his collegiate career but he should have the versatility to play any interior position.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Ruiz is that he’s just 20-years-old. The Bengals know all too well the struggles of finding reliable offensive linemen. If they pick Ruiz, they have the chance to lock down one of their guard spots for the next 10 plus years.
However, they’re known to not value guards as must as other positions. Look no further than the way the Kevin Zeitler situation was handled a few years back. That philosophy will have to change if this is the route they want to take.
Regardless, Ruiz would be able to step in and start right away, giving Burrow extra-protection and opening up the run game for Joe Mixon and company.