Slater, NJ.com: Could C Cesar Ruiz be on Giants radar?

Wills, Ruiz 1 and 2 would give this team, Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley a fighting chance. Best possible outcome.

you can lock in that #68 will be a perennial pro bowler.

at #36, after they go defense at #4.

"No don't take a Center at 36. Its too early."

Giant fans in September when opposing DT's run over whatever schlub Center is on the field they and hit Jones so hard he gets hurt and is out for 5 weeks:

"Fire Gettleman! How could he go into the season without upgrading the center position! He sucks!"

I'm assuming you mean either Simmons or Brown. I'd be pissed if either happens but what do I know

In comment 14860419 JonC said:

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at #36, after they go defense at #4.

While I find it hard to believe Dave is going to pass on an OT (especially Wirfs, who I don’t like), if he goes Simmons or Brown, if Okudah is there, is probably the wrong decision.

In comment 14860441 bc4life said:

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I'm assuming you mean either Simmons or Brown. I'd be pissed if either happens but what do I know

Simmons or Okudah.

The only way they take Brown is if DG gets pissed at Williams, rescinds the tag and let's him go.

In comment 14860441 bc4life said:

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I'm assuming you mean either Simmons or Brown. I'd be pissed if either happens but what do I know

I've heard they love Brown, but Okudah could also be there.

But it is mind-boggling how many others are also in play. For example, I took a look at the Draft Board Guru's rankings which breaks down each round into A, B, and C levels.

In his 2nd round rankings, taking the rankings for who he lists as 1A, 2A, and 2B, there are 15 players on offense (Ruiz is 2A) and 14 players on defense to select from. There are 11 players listed in the 2A category, which is where we select.

Ruiz certainly is a reasonable pick. So are many others. I don't see how anyone will have any idea who falls to the Giants in the 2nd round, and neither do the Giants.

One thing I have learned from numerous other drafts is not to judge how well we drafted based on all of the so-called draft analysts rankings prior to the real draft by the real experts. According to the Kiper's of the world, if a team doesn't draft according to their rankings, that team made a bad selection. I think it's more likely, the teams made a better selection than the Kiper's of the world.
Value Board Ratings - ( New Window )

Not going to make it to 36, yet some of you guys say it’s a bad pick at 36? I’d be thrilled with the pick.

In comment 14860454 section125 said:

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In comment 14860441 bc4life said: Quote: I'm assuming you mean either Simmons or Brown. I'd be pissed if either happens but what do I know Simmons or Okudah. The only way they take Brown is if DG gets pissed at Williams, rescinds the tag and let's him go.

I hope you are right Browns a good player but we don’t need that position

In comment 14860405 GiantBlue said:

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first round....so much better talent there...but they got ten years of outstanding center play. If the right guy is there at 36 and a center...that is fine. Maybe one of the top centers will fall there.

I'm still of the opinion that a good center would transform this team more than a good player at almost any other position given the current roster.

In comment 14860362 UGADawgs7 said:

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Just an opinion that it’s not a great draft strategy to take Ruiz at 36 when there’ll be better players on the board. Ruiz might have better Guard potential in the NFL. He’s being blown up because a so called weak draft class. Rather go one of these guys if available and go Hennesey or the Wisconsin kid Biadasz at 99.

Agreed.

then he better prepare to be tarred and feathered by the fanbase. That's a remote thrower for me.

In comment 14860404 barens said:

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In comment 14860358 Tuckrule said: Quote: Order. If we go tackle at 4. These are the guys I’d have in mind over a center. I think we can get Hennessy around 99. Baun* Gross Matos Winfield Jr.* Diggs McKinney* Pittman Jr Mims Weaver Okwara Isiah Wilson Dugger/chinn Terrell Lewis I don't know, I'd take Ruiz before half of those guys.

I was thinking the same thing, if Baun is there, it’s a hard choice but he probably won’t be. I’d take Ruiz over all those guys and it’s not even close. And I’d take him as BPA, not need.

The only other player there that will probably have a similar impact is Antoine Winfield but with the durability issues, I’d pass

Either way, it’s a pipe dream so I’m sure they have a backup plan or are finding ways they could squeeze in the back half of the first round.

In comment 14860472 cokeduplt said:

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Not going to make it to 36, yet some of you guys say it’s a bad pick at 36? I’d be thrilled with the pick.

As would I. Wirfs in round 1, ideally with a slight trade down, and Ruiz would go a long way towards fixing the OL.

is holding fast against power rushers to protect the pocket from collapsing.

Sure it would be great to have a center who can get to the second level for Barkley, but IMO that is a luxury at this point.

Does Ruiz fit the bill?

In comment 14860457 JonC said:

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In comment 14860441 bc4life said: Quote: I'm assuming you mean either Simmons or Brown. I'd be pissed if either happens but what do I know I've heard they love Brown, but Okudah could also be there.

Last year you weren’t hearing Jones at 6 right? I know the year before you were adamant that Barkley was going to be the pick. This is not a call-out because I know how the information game is played. I am just hoping that Brown is not the pick at 4 especially after the Williams trade.

I heard Josh Allen up until the last minute, then I heard QB but didn't have a name to give BBI. Not hearing Brown will be the pick and I tend to doubt he will, but heard they love him.

should be on their radar, why wouldn't he be?
It wouldn't bother me if they went tackle and center with
their first two picks.

I think it's reasonable to believe he'll be there at 36. NYG is just doing their homework in the event he is.

From my notes: He struggles a bit with power, doesn't get much movement in the running game in that regard.. Although he is textbook at flipping his hips moving his feet at 45 and walling off to create lanes. He does a very good job picking up blitzes and stunts. Very aware player (impressed on the whiteboard during formals). Establishes an inside hand position almost immediately giving him an early advantage. What I like most is his ability to combo block while finding work at the second level. One issue he has, and I noticed it quite frequently - he's susceptible to swim moves. Davis caught him 3 times with that counter in the Citrus Bowl. He's a pivot. Reminds me a little bit of Joe Looney who NYG tried to sign in free agency.

Jeremiah's take:

Ruiz is an extremely consistent, physical and aware center. In pass protection, he has a tight punch and immediate anchor. His lower body is outrageously strong. He is very aware vs. twists/stunts. He lacks elite foot quickness, but he doesn't have any issues sliding and redirecting to stay square vs. defenders. In the run game, he latches and runs his feet to create movement. He is outstanding on combo blocks, staying under control, locating and walling off linebackers. His lack of foot quickness shows up on outside pulls. Overall, Ruiz reminds me of Travis Frederick coming out of Wisconsin.

Would love him as our round 2 pick. Think he will be a beast if he is anything close to Frederick.

Baker seemed to pull his head out as season wore on. That'd be nice having two very talented bookend young corners.

Always thought and still think a deal will get done. It's been very quiet. Generally, you hear someothing when the tag is attached - typically grumbling from player's side. Franchise tags are sometimes used just to buy more time to complete negotiations. Finally, I don't know that there is any advanatage for either side to make an announcement that deal is done or not done. Not knowing Williams's long term status with the team keeps other teams guessing about what Giants will do with 4 pick. Keeping a done deal quiet helps the team and does no harm to Williams.

That Pulley is currently our starting center and some still don’t want Ruiz who more than likely will go in the 1st round.

If you don't count Tristan Wirfs, lol.

Anyway, Lloyd Cushenberry is graded just two ticks below Ruiz.

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Starting-caliber center with big hands, long arms and good core strength to match power on power when needed. Cushenberry isn't rigid or stiff, but he does have some limitations with lateral quickness, which show up against athletic edge rushers and with potential run game limitations in space. He's extremely difficult to bull-rush and is rarely beaten to the punch in his pass sets. LSU was frequently tasked with five-man protections in its passing scheme, which put Cushenberry on more of an island than he will see as a pro, so scouts should account for that. He's a do-your-job prospect with the strength to handle an odd-front nose and could be a long-time starter.

Hennesey and Biadasz are graded considerably lower.

that they love Brown. More specifically, DG loves him. Judge has a VERY strong personality. His voice will have a big influence on who is picked. Who they target will be based partially on where they select. I suspect that if they get a good offer to trade down a little, Judge will push Gettleman to do it. Brown makes more sense at 6,7 or 8 for example than at 4.

In comment 14860482 FStubbs said:

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In comment 14860405 GiantBlue said: Quote: first round....so much better talent there...but they got ten years of outstanding center play. If the right guy is there at 36 and a center...that is fine. Maybe one of the top centers will fall there. I'm still of the opinion that a good center would transform this team more than a good player at almost any other position given the current roster.

I think I have to agree. Really wish we could've gotten a very intelligent/experienced Center in Free Agency. That would've been my #1 priority.

not drafting an OL until Day 3 based on prior history and the information that's been slowly seeping out from the teams about different players.

In comment 14860604 BigBlueCane said:

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not drafting an OL until Day 3 based on prior history and the information that's been slowly seeping out from the teams about different players.

I can see that, too, and when I see it, I'm tempted to gouge my eyes out.

In comment 14860604 BigBlueCane said:

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not drafting an OL until Day 3 based on prior history and the information that's been slowly seeping out from the teams about different players.

They can definitely wait until Day 3 to draft OL.

And just assess it again when we are picking #4 in the 2021 Draft.

and the OL continues to struggle in the regular season, people up to and including DG lose their jobs.

But it's just hope.

Ruiz at 36, as long as Simmons is at 4, then we could go Saadiq Charles or Isaiah Wilson in the 3rd and we should be good to go

draft Wills. Draft Ruiz #36. Defensive focus the rest of the way with a WR in the mix.

Daniel Jones development trumps all other roster considerations except acquiring elite pass rushers of which none will be available anyway.

In comment 14860629 LBH15 said:

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In comment 14860604 BigBlueCane said: Quote: not drafting an OL until Day 3 based on prior history and the information that's been slowly seeping out from the teams about different players. They can definitely wait until Day 3 to draft OL. And just assess it again when we are picking #4 in the 2021 Draft.

By 2021, they might need to draft a QB to replace the corpse of Jones under center.

In comment 14860537 bc4life said:

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Baker seemed to pull his head out as season wore on. That'd be nice having two very talented bookend young corners.

So you want to relegate a #1 pick to nickel corner, or will we be paying Bradberry for sub packages only?

Okudah is a TREMENDOUS prospect. I just don't think he is a particularly efficient choice given the resource allocation on the roster currently.

In comment 14860535 MeadowlandsMike said:

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Jeremiah's take: Ruiz is an extremely consistent, physical and aware center. In pass protection, he has a tight punch and immediate anchor. His lower body is outrageously strong. He is very aware vs. twists/stunts. He lacks elite foot quickness, but he doesn't have any issues sliding and redirecting to stay square vs. defenders. In the run game, he latches and runs his feet to create movement. He is outstanding on combo blocks, staying under control, locating and walling off linebackers. His lack of foot quickness shows up on outside pulls. Overall, Ruiz reminds me of Travis Frederick coming out of Wisconsin. Would love him as our round 2 pick. Think he will be a beast if he is anything close to Frederick.

I've been thinking Wirfs is likely ahead of Wills on the Giants' board, but if we could come out of the first two rounds with Wills, Ruiz and a third pick by way of a short trade-down in round 1 (Josh Uche or Zack Baun would be great targets with a second 2nd rounder), It's hard to imagine a better scenario.

I'd say the same for a trade-down that nets Simmons and then Ruiz and a second-tier OT prospect like Jones or Jackson or Wilson, but I don't see Simmons being available with a trade-down because I think if the Giants vacate #4, he could be a target that someone jumps in front of them for (or the Lions could just take him at #3).

In comment 14860374 johnnyb said:

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In comment 14860369 Spider56 said: Quote: In comment 14860365 George from PA said: Quote: The 2nd RD can net us a starting FS, Center and WR. +1 ... great minds think alike ... now if we can only convince DG ... I think we would need to convince teams trading below us to trade up. DG I think would be on board trading back a few spots, but you need a willing partner. Detroit holds the keys to this draft. If a QB needy tea trades up to three, it puts us in a bad spot and makes a trade back less likely.

Hmm, good point.

In comment 14860749 Gatorade Dunk said:

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In comment 14860535 MeadowlandsMike said: Quote: Jeremiah's take: Ruiz is an extremely consistent, physical and aware center. In pass protection, he has a tight punch and immediate anchor. His lower body is outrageously strong. He is very aware vs. twists/stunts. He lacks elite foot quickness, but he doesn't have any issues sliding and redirecting to stay square vs. defenders. In the run game, he latches and runs his feet to create movement. He is outstanding on combo blocks, staying under control, locating and walling off linebackers. His lack of foot quickness shows up on outside pulls. Overall, Ruiz reminds me of Travis Frederick coming out of Wisconsin. Would love him as our round 2 pick. Think he will be a beast if he is anything close to Frederick. I've been thinking Wirfs is likely ahead of Wills on the Giants' board, but if we could come out of the first two rounds with Wills, Ruiz and a third pick by way of a short trade-down in round 1 (Josh Uche or Zack Baun would be great targets with a second 2nd rounder), It's hard to imagine a better scenario. I'd say the same for a trade-down that nets Simmons and then Ruiz and a second-tier OT prospect like Jones or Jackson or Wilson, but I don't see Simmons being available with a trade-down because I think if the Giants vacate #4, he could be a target that someone jumps in front of them for (or the Lions could just take him at #3).

Wills/Becton, Ruiz , Baun/Murray/Uche/Matos would be a spectacular haul. Ruiz might cost us a 4th and 5th in trade up like last year to get him.

Hearing a lot of new projections of Cesar Ruiz as a back of first rd beginning of second rd guy. His perceived value as a guard might be driving his value higher than we think. He might be gone by 36 especially as guard is so lacking for top end talent in this year’s class.

gone and we'll know if Judge is legitimate or not.

I suspect that DG is going all in on fixing the defense, trusting Garrett to make the Offense not so inept.

Its the fastest way to turn things around, even if its not the best way.

In comment 14860567 Klaatu said:

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If you don't count Tristan Wirfs, lol. Anyway, Lloyd Cushenberry is graded just two ticks below Ruiz. Quote: Starting-caliber center with big hands, long arms and good core strength to match power on power when needed. Cushenberry isn't rigid or stiff, but he does have some limitations with lateral quickness, which show up against athletic edge rushers and with potential run game limitations in space. He's extremely difficult to bull-rush and is rarely beaten to the punch in his pass sets. LSU was frequently tasked with five-man protections in its passing scheme, which put Cushenberry on more of an island than he will see as a pro, so scouts should account for that. He's a do-your-job prospect with the strength to handle an odd-front nose and could be a long-time starter. Hennesey and Biadasz are graded considerably lower.

Glad you mentioned Cushenberry, who I like. He had a very good senior bowl week. Good leader/Great character. He did a fine job making the correct line calls for a pro-style offense. His length is an added advantage. Solid at getting his hands inside early however not as consistent as Ruiz. I think he does a better job vs power players than Ruiz does. Drops his hips and anchors not giving much ground. In LSU's matchup vs Auburn, Derek Brown lined up at 0 more than a few snaps leaving Cushenberry 1 on 1.. Cushenberry held his own on most reps. Very few centers in the country could do that vs Brown. I should note, Brown ultimately got the better of LSU's line (Very impressive performance considering LSU's OL won the Joe Moore Award). Overall, I see why some want to move Cush to guard but I think he's a starter at center early and will prove his worth at that position.

I like Cushenberry too. The Wisky C is dropping for some reason, but I still like him.

In comment 14860358 Tuckrule said:

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Order. If we go tackle at 4. These are the guys I’d have in mind over a center. I think we can get Hennessy around 99. Baun* Gross Matos Winfield Jr.* Diggs McKinney* Pittman Jr Mims Weaver Okwara Isiah Wilson Dugger/chinn Terrell Lewis

From what I have read, Hennessey will end up in DJ's lap in less than 2 seconds. He has no sand in the pants.

In comment 14860369 Spider56 said:

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In comment 14860365 George from PA said: Quote: The 2nd RD can net us a starting FS, Center and WR. +1 ... great minds think alike ... now if we can only convince DG ...

Convince him of what? You can't trade down unless someone offers to trade up. Some of you guys just want to trade down for ANYTHING. Which is just idiotic. Unless you good a good offer to trade down, it is pointless to trade down.

In comment 14860635 BigBlueCane said:

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and the OL continues to struggle in the regular season, people up to and including DG lose their jobs. But it's just hope.

If Simmons become an All-Pro and DG takes a starting but okay OL most Giants fans who complained about the OL will say they should have taken Simmons and want DG fired anyway.

many somehow refuse to comprehend that all GMs want as much draft capital as they can procure. But, you need people to make reasonable/acceptable offers to even consider pulling the trigger. GMs are rarely asleep at the wheel. They may be lousy GMs in evaluations, but they are aware of what’s going on given how many people are in their ear.

In comment 14861059 Peppers said:

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In comment 14860567 Klaatu said: Quote: If you don't count Tristan Wirfs, lol. Anyway, Lloyd Cushenberry is graded just two ticks below Ruiz. Quote: Starting-caliber center with big hands, long arms and good core strength to match power on power when needed. Cushenberry isn't rigid or stiff, but he does have some limitations with lateral quickness, which show up against athletic edge rushers and with potential run game limitations in space. He's extremely difficult to bull-rush and is rarely beaten to the punch in his pass sets. LSU was frequently tasked with five-man protections in its passing scheme, which put Cushenberry on more of an island than he will see as a pro, so scouts should account for that. He's a do-your-job prospect with the strength to handle an odd-front nose and could be a long-time starter. Hennesey and Biadasz are graded considerably lower. Glad you mentioned Cushenberry, who I like. He had a very good senior bowl week. Good leader/Great character. He did a fine job making the correct line calls for a pro-style offense. His length is an added advantage. Solid at getting his hands inside early however not as consistent as Ruiz. I think he does a better job vs power players than Ruiz does. Drops his hips and anchors not giving much ground. In LSU's matchup vs Auburn, Derek Brown lined up at 0 more than a few snaps leaving Cushenberry 1 on 1.. Cushenberry held his own on most reps. Very few centers in the country could do that vs Brown. I should note, Brown ultimately got the better of LSU's line (Very impressive performance considering LSU's OL won the Joe Moore Award). Overall, I see why some want to move Cush to guard but I think he's a starter at center early and will prove his worth at that position.

The last time I "fell in love" with a Center who impressed me during Senior Bowl week, the Giants drafted him in the 2nd round (#43 overall).

In comment 14861279 Deejboy said:

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In comment 14860635 BigBlueCane said: Quote: and the OL continues to struggle in the regular season, people up to and including DG lose their jobs. But it's just hope. If Simmons become an All-Pro and DG takes a starting but okay OL most Giants fans who complained about the OL will say they should have taken Simmons and want DG fired anyway.

So true.

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Nick Harris, center, Washington: The Giants are in the market for a young center and Harris (6’1″, 302) is a tough guy who fits what the Joe Judge Giants are aiming to be: hard-working and team-oriented

Thoughts on the guy?