Reviewing the performance of the Vikings 2020 rookie class

 Ezra Cleveland – OL (Boise State)

2020 Stats:

• 13 games played (9 starts)
• 5 sacks allowed
• 1 penalty

The Vikings took Ezra Cleveland in the second round of last April’s draft and many pundits labeled that a steal as he was seen by many as a first-round talent. There was little expectation that he’d see the field much in 2020, as he had Riley Reiff ahead of him on the depth chart. The plan was that this would be a red-shirt kind of season for Cleveland and he’d maybe get in during a few games that were already decided.

During the preseason, the Vikings experimented with Cleveland at guard. The thought was he could potentially get some experience playing inside in 2020, acclimating him to the speed of the NFL before taking over at left tackle. Injuries and piss poor play from Pat Elflein and Dru Samia put Cleveland on the field by about mid-season, and he became the team’s starting right guard.

Cleveland’s play was spotty. He had some nice moments but had others where he whiffed on a block or was overpowered. That comes with playing a new position and being raw, so it wasn’t entirely unexpected. At this point, it’s unclear if the Vikings will move on from Reiff next season and insert Cleveland at left tackle or if he’ll remain the team’s right guard. Whatever happens, Cleveland will be better in year two, and the team already got a return from this second-round investment.