3 New Orleans Saints who could get bumped down depth chart

3. Cesar Ruiz

Some people may consider this a bit premature, but Cesar Ruiz has been a huge disappointment in his two seasons in the NFL.

The Saints drafted Ruiz in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The pick at the time was considered a head-scratcher, and after two years in a Saints uniform, fans have scratched their heads so long they’ve developed Trichotillomania.

Some would say that Ruiz was a victim of not experiencing OTAs and minicamp his rookie year due to the pandemic. Others will say he was starting at the guard position, a position he isn’t that familiar with. Ruiz has played center most of his football life.

No matter if he’s playing the center or guard position, it has not worked out so far. Ruiz, on several occasions, could be seen falling to the ground when he’s the lead blocker, whiffing on blocking assignments, swinging, and missing on blitz pickups.

Ruiz is going into his third season and he can’t afford another lackluster year. Some young, hungry offensive linemen would love to take his spot. He will be competing against second-year offensive lineman Landon Young for the starting offensive guard job.

Young only had one start in 2021 but played well. Ruiz has said he’s put in work this offseason to improve on some fundamentals. Hopefully, this is the year it all comes together for the former Michigan Wolverine. If not Ruiz could find himself out of the starting rotation.