Canal Street Chronicles
Do you agree with the rankings?
Mason Cameron, an analyst with Pro Football Focus, has recently released his rankings on the Top 32 guards going into the 2025 NFL season. Among those listed is New Orleans Saints starting guard Cesar Ruiz, slotted at No. 30.
30. Cesar Ruiz, New Orleans Saints
A knee injury knocked Ruiz out for a good chunk of the front half of the 2024 season, but he still managed to finish with the highest PFF overall grade of his career. His 72.4 PFF pass-blocking grade from Week 8 through the end of the regular season finished inside the top 20 at the position after he allowed just one sack and a 2.2% pressure rate.
Given his ample experience (4,706 snaps) at 26 years old, the hope is that Ruiz can continue that progression in 2025.
While PFF noted Ruiz’s health was a factor in last year’s campaign, his blocking numbers were some of his highest since he entered the league as a first-round draft pick in 2020. Ruiz played the lowest total of games in a season for his career (13) in the 2024 season as a result of his injuries. The Saints benefit greatly from Ruiz being on the field, and with the team working on improving offensive schemes this season under new Head Coach Kellen Moore, Cesar should be in a position to act as a cornerstone with his versatility and veteran leadership along the interior offensive line.
What are your thoughts on Cameron’s rankings? Do you agree with Ruiz’s slot at No. 30 and why? Let us know in the comments below!
