Ruiz improved tremendously last year after having three different O-line coaches every training camp. Dan Roushar was the O-line coach when he was drafted. iirc. That was the year that Covid stunted players growth across the league. There was only serious limited interaction between players and coaches, and then having to moving to guard when the team asked him to make a position change was a major challenge for an undersized center in his rookie season.

When he returned to New Orleans for his first real training camp he had another O-line coach, Brendan Nugent, who lasted a year before he was replaced by Doug Marrone after a poor showing the following year. Marrone has coached successfully with the Jets, Bills, and was HC of the Jags last year. iirc He's a player's coach and is apparently highly motivational.

I can't' remember which philosophy Marrone leans toward, whether it's zone or man, or something different, but Ruiz executed it well last season and solidified a weak O-line last year. It's worth noting that he has been healthy and available most of the time. Let's see if he can do it again!

Regardless, I'm still eyeing a Guard with one of my first three picks.

Peat's replacement hopefully.