The Minnesota Vikings used a second round draft pick on Ezra Cleveland in the 2020 NFL Draft but what should be expected from the offensive tackle?
Considering the struggles the Minnesota Vikings had on the offensive line during the 2019 NFL season and releasing right guard Josh Kline, the team was desperate to add some talent to the unit on Day 2.
The second round found the Vikings holding pick No. 58 overall. Despite a lot of talented players going before Minnesota was on the clock, the team stood firm and used that pick to select Boise State offensive tackle Ezra Cleveland.
At one time, many fans believed the purple and gold would be the team to pull off a trade with the Redskins for Trent Williams, but the Vikings picking Cleveland quickly put those rumblings to rest once and for all.
What should the Minnesota Vikings and fans expect from Ezra Cleveland during the 2020 NFL season? What are his strengths and weaknesses? Let’s take a look at what the team is getting in their second round pick starting with the positives.
The good
Fortifying the offensive line was a definite need for the Minnesota Vikings. Doing so by selecting ESPN’s best player available in the second round was not only a great value but a great move by a patient team looking to make the most of its assets. Here are some of the best qualities Ezra Cleveland has to offer according to NFL.com and CBS Sports:
Ideal size
Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 311 pounds, the offensive lineman has a low center of gravity and a powerful frame. He will be able to stand his ground against some great opposition thanks to being able to shift his weight well.
Footwork
Finding the ideal “dancing bear” can be hard but Cleveland shows great signs of being able to adjust well using quick and efficient changes in positioning to seal defenders. As one of the most athletic offensive tackles in the draft class, he shows the potential to be a franchise left tackle.
Patience and push
Cleveland seems to have a knack of knowing when to push to the next level and when to let the pressure come to him. While he can push to the next level when needed, he can also let plays develop to stop from giving away the gameplan.
Other traits to like
- Quickness off the snap – Cleveland reacts quickly off the snap to get an advantage over defenders.
- Familiarity – Blocked for Vikings running back Alexander Mattison at Boise State where the two became close.
- Good with hands – Good hand placement and fighting can help Cleveland maintain the advantage when locked in the trenches.
The bad
Not everything is perfect when it comes to Ezra Cleveland. There is a reason he was available when the Minnesota Vikings were on the clock in the second round. Here are some of the traits that are not ideal about the offensive lineman:
Power
Despite having great size, Cleveland could use some time to get stronger to prepare for when he faces NFL competition. Adding some more functional strength would allow him to push around defenders and open more holes in the run game while stopping pass rushers.
Lack of competition
Boise State didn’t face off against some of the elite pass rushers in the NCAA, meaning Cleveland may not have really been tested too much against high-level pass rushers. This does raise questions about how he will perform against professional athletes.
Play finishing
While much of his technique is sound, there needs to be a bit more aggression in his blocks. It would be nice to see Cleveland finish more blocks with an “oomph” and make a statement, especially when run blocking.
Expectations
Ezra Cleveland has all the traits necessary to become a day one starter in the NFL. However, there is the question of which spot on the Minnesota Vikings offensive line where he could help the team the most during the 2020 NFL season.
With Riley Reiff and Brian O’Neill returning as starters, it wouldn’t be shocking to see competitions open up for each starting spot with one of the three eventually being shifted inside to take over one of the starting guard spots.
No matter which spot on the offensive line Cleveland ends up playing, he should be able to be a great asset in both run blocking and pass protection. In addition, he should improve with each passing week as he gains experience against NFL competition.
Ezra Cleveland should be a great addition to the offensive line and an asset the team can develop into a starting tackle. The only real question is how long it will take for him to step into one of those roles for the Vikings.
What are your favorite traits that Ezra Cleveland has to offer the Minnesota Vikings? And what are your biggest concerns about the Boise State offensive lineman? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.