Ezra Cleveland is assuredly in the future plans for Minnesota Vikings offensive line. What are some things to know about him?
The Minnesota Vikings offensive line has been in flux since 2009. That was the last time that the unit was exceptional, and the Vikings front office has struggled to foster consistency at this depth chart position ever since. In the last decade, the offensive line has not typically performed atrociously but is less than desirable compared to other areas of the team. Therefore, its mediocrity or less-than-average play is magnified because mostly every other position performs admirably, or at least passably. This is especially the case for the last five seasons.
Minnesota has tried free agents like Mike Remmers, Riley Reiff, and Alex Boone. Some have clicked more than others, so at least management is trying, right?. The team was dealt a significant longterm blow when left tackle Matt Kalil failed to materialize with the Vikings. It was bittersweet as Kalil, fresh out of college in 2012, was terrific as a rookie in his first campaign. But then he progressively regressed. When a team spends first-round draft capital on a player and he doesn’t live up to expectations, the lasting effect reverberates.
This offseason, Minnesota made Boise State alumnus Ezra Cleveland its prized offensive line possession in the second round of the NFL Draft. Cleveland is theorized to get some action in 2020, although he likely will not start right away.
We know he is a promising prospect, but what are some details about him that we don’t know?