1. Cesar Ruiz, Michigan
For every Chicago Bears fan who wants to fix the offensive line, this the player you need to hope will fall. The issue is that most mock drafts see him as a first-round pick. Others see him falling closer to 50, and there is a chance, albeit small, that Ruiz is on the board for the Bears pick.
Ruiz had an excellent combine, showing explosiveness, and speed for the position.
We have a draft profile on Ruiz, who is one of the cleanest prospects in the draft. He is a three-year starter, he has played right guard and center, and he has been given All-Conference honors. Oh, did we mention he is still just 20 years old?
Ruiz would be the piece that solidifies a young, experienced offensive interior with the upside to be a strength of the roster. The question would be less about whether Ruiz can beat Ifedi, and more about if Ruiz plays right guard, or if they kick Whitehair out to right guard and let Ruiz play center. Ruiz has the traits to be legitimate at either spot.
If there is an offensive lineman to watch on the first night of the NFL draft, it is Cesar Ruiz. Bears fans need to hope his name doesn’t get called.