It is no question that the Eagles will need to find a new Center, as Jason Kelce continues to inch closer to retirement. Luckily for the Eagles, there happens to be a perfect prospect. Michigan Center Cesar Ruiz is the number one ranked Center in this year’s NFL Draft. The Eagles have shown interest in Ruiz, telling 6ABC’s Jeff Skversky that they have met with him multiple times. Ruiz is from Camden, New Jersey, so his mom would be happy if her son was drafted by their local team.

👀 Eagles have been doing their homework on Michigan center Cesar Ruiz who is rated the #1 center in the NFL Draft

Ruiz has spoken with the Eagles multiple times

👀 Michigan center & Camden native Cesar Ruiz on Possibly Getting Drafted by Eagles

“If I play for Philly, my mom would loose it… that would be really amazing for my mom… it would mean a lot… growing up in this area and playing 20 minutes from home would be crazy”@6abc https://t.co/TcyZ0WkiaZ pic.twitter.com/1aMlpPYDH2

— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) April 12, 2020

The Camden, New Jersey native tells @6abc his mom would very happy if he goes to Philly#NFLDraft #Michigan pic.twitter.com/2PIeHtYRPS

— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) April 11, 2020

After losing starting Left Tackle Jason Peters and versatile lineman Halapoulivaati Vaitai, the Eagles need to invest in the Offensive Line in the draft.

Per the Michigan Athletics Website, here are some of Ruiz’s accomplishments.

At Michigan
• Two-time All-Big Ten honoree (second team, coaches, 2019; third team, coaches, 2018; third team, media, 2019; honorable mention, media, 2018)
• Appeared in 36 games, playing offensive line in 36 games and contributing on special teams in 14 contests, with 31 career starts (five at right guard and 26 at center)
• Three-year letterman (2017-18-19)

Honors and Rankings
• Played in 2017 Under Armour All-American Game
• 247.com four-star prospect ranked No. 44 nationally and the No.1 center
• ESPN four-star recruit ranked No. 28 nationally and the No. 1 center
• Scout four-star recruit, rated No. 98 nationally and the No. 1 center in the south
• Rivals four-star recruit rated No. 41 nationally and the No. 1 center
• PrepStar four-star recruit, a member of the Top 350 All-American squad and ranked as the No. 167 prospect nationally
• Second-team MaxPreps All-American pick as a senior
• USA Today All-USA Florida second-team offensive lineman as a senior
• Attended 2016 The Opening in Beaverton, Oregon

Cesar Ruiz played 919 snaps for Michigan last season.

He only allowed 2 QB hits and 0 sacks.

— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) April 12, 2020

Ruiz is projected to be a late first early second-round pick, so the Eagles could trade back for him. This wouldn’t be a bad idea at all if this happens to be the case. The Eagles could gain draft capital, and grab the Jason Kelce replacement they need while still being able to select one, if not two quality wide receiver prospects. The Eagles could select him at 21, but that may be a reach with the options at wide receiver and linebacker they are projected to have, As we continue to get closer to the draft, there are new rumors every day as to what the Eagles are doing. There are numerous options in how Howie Roseman and the Eagles attack this draft and it will be interesting to see which route they take.