Detroit Lions: Three players to target in the second round of the NFL draft
By Bob Heyrman
C/G Cesar Ruiz – Michigan
Cesar Ruiz has been one of the best pass protecting interior linemen in all of college football. He’s a player the Detroit Lions will need to consider with their second-round choice.
The Lions are expected to let a former Michigan Wolverine offensive lineman walk in free agency, so why not replace him with another Wolverine that can hold his own?
More from Detroit Jock City
- Tigers Sign Manager A.J. Hinch to Long-Term Extension
- Lions vs. Bears Week 14 Opening Odds Disrespect Detroit
- Former Tigers Celebrate Jim Leyland Hall of Fame Call
- This Pistons Team Could be the Worst in Detroit Sports History
- 4 Free Agents Tigers Should Sign During Winter Meetings
According to Pro Football Focus Ruiz has only yielded a total of 19 pressures on 895 pass-blocking attempts over his two-years of starting with the Wolverines. Ruiz is a guy who primarily played center but has the versatility to play either guard, similar to Glasgow, who’d he be replacing.
Ruiz is expected to be a high second-round selection somewhere between picks 33 and 50. The Lions currently sit with the 35th pick in the draft, perhaps a bit high to select Ruiz with plenty of other playmakers available. Detroit will also have an opportunity to trade back, adding an extra pick later in the draft and still select Ruiz.
The Detroit Lions need to focus on their offensive line. If they feel Graham Glasgow is a bit too rich for their liking in free agency, they’d likely feel the same way about Joe Thuney, who is expected to test the market as the top available player at his position. Detroit also recently signed former first-round pick Joshua Garnett of the 49ers, who will, in all likelihood, will be auditioning for a starting opportunity this summer.
Trending. What should Bob Quinn do with the third overall pick?. light
Ruiz has decided to leave Michigan a year early, not to risk injury during his senior season, also understanding he has all the tools necessary to prevail at the next level. He’s agile for a 320-pound interior lineman. The 20-year old needs to improve as a run blocker to completely round out his game, but he’s some the team should consider in the second round.