One cannot ignore the presence of new offensive line coach Juan Castillo for the Chicago Bears. This is a man with a long history in the sport of football and that comes with connections. Connections the Bears might try to exploit at some point in the near future. A perfect example is that of Cesar Ruiz. For those who don’t know him, he was the starting center for Michigan in 2019 and is viewed by many as the top interior offensive lineman in the 2020 draft class.
A player Castillo coached last year as a member of the Wolverines staff. This gives the Bears significant insight into Ruiz both as a talent and a person. That is why their meeting with him according to Jordan Reid of The Draft Network carries significant weight. Ruiz is known for his size and surprising mobility to go along with considerable power. Belief is he can play any of the three interior spots up front.
“Cesar Ruiz enters the NFL after starting 31 games for Michigan with 26 of those coming at center and five at right guard. A blend of size, power, mobility and technique, Ruiz projects favorably to any interior spot along the offensive line at the next level. For such a massive man, Ruiz displays outstanding mobility and he is highly effective working laterally and in space. His versatility extends beyond just the ability to play any spot along the interior, he has the attributes needed to thrive in both gap and zone blocking run schemes.”
Chicago Bears would bolster OL with Ruiz in the mix
Ruiz is as blue collar as it gets. He was born in Camden, New Jersey and went to Michigan for college. He was built for the Black and Blue division. The Bears have serious need of a bully on their front. Somebody who can bring more power and nasty to the mix. Ruiz routinely showed he could be that guy for Michigan. Experts compared him to Eric Wood, the former Pro Bowler for the Buffalo Bills. The best part is he’s still just 20-years old.
Sliding him in at right guard would give the Bears two potential top tier blockers at those positions who are 22 or younger. They could be set for a decade-plus. Not to mention having Cody Whitehair in the middle who is still just 27. GM Ryan Pace has said he believes in building an offensive line from the inside out. Interior blocking is vital to pass protection schemes. Adding Ruiz would be exactly what the Bears are looking for after the loss of Kyle Long.
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