Saints assistant GM was confident Chiefs would take Cesar Ruiz at 32
The New Orleans Saints snagged University of Michigan center, Cesar Ruiz, just in time as the Chiefs were likely to take him at No. 32.
One of the best offensive linemen in the draft, Cesar Ruiz was taken by the New Orleans Saints with the 24th pick. At the time, it wasn’t too clear why they made the move, but the later release of Larry Warford told the whole story.
Ruiz will come in and start alongside second-year center Erik McCoy. While it’s unsure who will start at center and which one will slide to guard, the Saints are confident each can play at a high level, one reason they cut the three-time Pro Bowler.
Saving almost $8 million, the Saints had their plan for the draft, but potentially thinking about trading down, the Saints knew that wasn’t an option when they got intel about who the Chiefs were going to take with the 32nd-overall pick.
The Chiefs eventually went with Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU’s starting running back. With his ability to catch out of the backfield, he’ll be the perfect addition to their offense. He wasn’t necessarily their No. 1 option though, as Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.
On a call with donors to the Louisiana-Lafayette Athletic Foundation today, Jeff Ireland said the Saints had “pretty strong intel” that Miami and Kansas City would take Ruiz. They initially looked to trade back but called it off once they learned about other interest.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) May 13, 2020
This is a pretty interesting report. The buzz around the league is that the Chiefs may have wanted to trade up for another speedy receiver.
However, they stayed put and added a solid back after losing Kareem Hunt last offseason. The Chiefs, a team that won the Super Bowl in 2020, were dominant behind Patrick Mahomes. Now, they’ll have another elite piece.
Thankfully, though, the Saints got their guy and were able to add talent and cap fluidity. The Saints needed to open some space for potential extensions to Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore. This is just another showing of Mickey Loomis’ genius as a general manager.
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The Saints continue to use their resources to make informed decisions. With Ruiz, the team’s offensive line, one of the most important groups in football, should be secured for the long-term future.