Michigan offensive line coach Ed Warinner spoke with New Orleans Saints media Friday, April 24 regarding Cesar Ruiz, the 24th pick in the first round of the draft. The 6-foot-4, 316-pound junior was a three-year letterman at Michigan under Warinner's guidance.

"He's very athletic," Warinner said. "And he has a very high football IQ, so he's very smart and understands what's going on. And he's highly competitive. He's a very competitive person, so it's real important to him and he tries to win every play. He is a great combination of all the attributes you are looking for."

Ruiz is the first former Michigan player selected in the first round by New Orleans. In his conference call with local media Thursday night, Ruiz said he can play all interior line positions.

"There's really nothing he can't do, that they're going to be looking for him to do in terms of the job descriptions of an interior offensive lineman, center or guard," Warinner said. "He's played both positions at the highest level."

Ruiz will attempt to be a major part of New Orleans' offense without the benefit of a rookie minicamp, OTAs or a veteran minicamp. The Saints will not conduct an offseason program as coronavirus precautions will continue to be observed.