Summary

Ezra Cleveland was selected in the 2nd Round (#58 Overall) in the 2020 Draft out of Boise State. Cleveland is a promising, athletic interior offensive lineman whose standout traits—mobility, versatility, size, and run‑blocking movement—give him a high upside. His major limitations revolve around strength vs power, consistency in pass‑protection, and refining technical aspects of his game. With the right coaching, scheme fit (as Jacksonville appears to provide), and health, he projects as a key building block on the offensive line and could become one of the better guards in the league.

Strengths

• Outstanding athleticism for an interior lineman: Early reports noted Cleveland’s remarkable movement: a 4.93 s 40‑yard dash, outstanding agility metrics (3‑cone ~7.26 s, short‑shuttle ~4.46 s) at the Combine. His ability to move laterally, get to the second level, and pull or climb in zone‑schemes stood out. Bleacher Report

• Versatility and size/length to match different roles: With a 6′6″ frame and good arm length, he has the physical tools to play both guard positions and has tackle experience. This gives his team flexibility. His trade to Jacksonville was largely because he could fill multiple spots on the interior line and help solidify the front. Big Cat Country

• Run‑blocking ability / finishing effort: Multiple evaluations highlighted his effectiveness in space, his willingness to engage and finish blocks, and his improvement in run situations. After the trade, he earned positive grades for his run‑blocking contribution. Big Cat Country

• Ascending developmental curve: While he entered the league as more of a project, the Jaguars’ decision to lock him into a multi‑year deal in 2024/25 suggests confidence in his growth and foundational status.

Weaknesses

• Strength & anchor vs power rushers / inside bull rushes: Early in his evaluation, scouts flagged that despite his agility, his raw strength and anchoring ability (especially in straight power matchups) were concerns. CBS Sports

• Technical refinement and consistency in pass‑protection: While he handles speed edge rushers well, he can struggle with inside counters, heavy bull rushers, and needs more refined hand technique and leverage. Although his grades improved, there was acknowledgment that he had not yet posted a full‑season elite level. Big Cat Country

• Competition level and experience nuance: Coming from Boise State (Mountain West), some evaluators pointed out that his college competition wasn’t as consistent as in power‑5 conferences, making his transition projection slightly riskier. CBS Sports

• Injury / durability considerations: While not a major red‑flag, any interior lineman’s ability to consistently absorb contact, maintain conditioning and avoid performance drop‑off is important. Some missed games and shifts in starting spots suggest this is an area to monitor.

Fit & Outlook

Cleveland is best suited in an offensive scheme that values mobility, zone‑blocking or hybrid run/pass schemes, and where his ability to move in space and climb to the second level is used. The Jaguars, by acquiring him, signaled they want him as a foundational guard for the long‑term. If Cleveland continues on his developmental path, adds functional strength, refines his interior pass‑protection technique, and stays healthy, his ceiling is as a high‑end starting guard in the NFL, potentially pro‑bowler caliber. If the weaknesses persist (strength vs power rushes, consistency), he may settle into a reliable but not elite starter.