Cesar Ruiz

NFL CAREER – An athletic, versatile and intelligent lineman, the club's first round draft pick in 2020 has settled into the right guard position, where his 46 consecutive games started from 2020 through Week 15 of the 2022 campaign was the club's longest streak at the time. The former Michigan standout has the flexibility to play all three interior positions, opening games at both right guard and center in 2021 and 2022

NFL CAREER – An athletic, versatile and intelligent lineman, the club's first round draft pick in 2020 has settled into the right guard position, where his 46 consecutive games started from 2020 through Week 15 of the 2022 campaign was the club's longest streak at the time. The former Michigan standout has the flexibility to play all three interior positions, opening games at both right guard and center in 2021 and 2022.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS – Placed on Injured Reserve by Saints, 12/20/22; Signed, 7/27/20; Selected in the first round (24th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft.

2022 – Opened all 14 games he appeared in before being placed on injured reserve with a lisfranc injury, suffered late in team's win vs. Atlanta, Dec. 18, starting at right guard for 13 games and center for one...Vs. Seattle, Oct. 9, blocked for an offense that gained 235 yards rushing with two 100-yard rushers and three rushing TDs…Moved to center in second quarter vs. Baltimore, Nov. 7, due to Erik McCoy's injury…Started at center at Tampa Bay, Dec. 5. 2021 – Only Saints offensive player to open all 17 games. After starting season-opening win over Green Bay, Sept. 12, at right guard, moved to center for the next four contests due to McCoy's injury, before returning to right guard for final 12 games. 2020 – Played in 15 games with nine starts at right guard and opened both postseason contests…Started vs. Atlanta, Nov. 22, blocking for an offense that gained 168 yards rushing…Started at Denver, Nov. 29, and blocked for an offense that rushed for 229 yards and four TDs…Started vs. Minnesota, Dec. 25, for an offense that rushed for a season-high 264 yards and club-record seven TDs, including an NFL record-tying six by RB Alvin Kamara.

COLLEGE – Started his final 31 games at Michigan during a 36-game career – five at right guard and the final 26 at center…Opened all 13 games in 2019 and selected second-team All-Big Ten by conference coaches…In 2018, earned All-Big Ten third-team (coaches), starting all 13 games at center…In 2017, played in ten games and made five starts at right guard…Majored in Afro-American and African studies.

PERSONAL - Attended IMG (Bradenton, Fla.) Academy, where he helped lead his team to undefeated seasons in both 2015 and 2016…As a senior in 2016, anchored an IMG offensive line that helped produce 2,000 yards passing and 1,879 yards rushing in 11 games…Played in 2017 Under Armour All-American Game…ESPN four-star recruit, ranked No. 69 nationally and the No. 1 center…Attended the 2016 "Opening" Nike Camp in Beaverton, Oregon…Transferred to IMG from Camden (N.J.) High School, where he spent his first two years.