2020 NFL Draft: 5 players Ravens could take in Round 1

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 12: Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 celebrate a touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the New York Jets at M&T Bank Stadium on December 12, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 30: Cesar Ruiz #51 prepares to snap the ball during the second half of a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Ann Arbor, MI. The Ohio State Buckeyes won the game 56-27 over the Michigan Wolverines. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /

3. Cesar Ruiz

Ruiz played most of his collegiate snaps at center, but he can also play either guard position. The combination of that flexibility and talent might be enough to push him into the end of Round 1.

The Ravens certainly have a need for a quality guard. Not enough is being written about how much Yanda’s departure might hurt this offense. Neither Parker Ehinger or Bradley Bozeman is going to join Yanda in the Hall of Fame when their careers are through. Baltimore could easily try to replace either or both of their current projected starters at guard in the draft.

Ruiz should walk into the NFL with the ability to perform as an above average run blocker immediately. He’s got solid power at the point of attack and the quick feet required to hamper defenders at the next level. Both traits give him a chance to be really valuable to the Ravens.

Where he might struggle initially is in his pass protection sets. He struggled at times to keep his quarterback clean on obvious passing downs. That looks like more of a technique issue than a talent gap on film. Ruiz can be a plug and play starter for the Ravens right away. That makes him good value at No. 28.

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