Summary

Ezra Cleveland was selected in the 2nd Round (#58 Overall) in the 2020 Draft out of Boise State. A three-year starter on the Blue Turf, Cleveland was known for his athletic profile, length, and movement skills, traits that translated to early versatility along the offensive line. In the NFL, he became a multi-year starter for Minnesota, logging extensive snaps at left guard after initially entering the league as a tackle projection. Through his first five NFL seasons, Cleveland has started 70+ games, showing durability and consistency while contributing to multiple top-10 rushing attacks. While he has not earned major individual accolades, he has been a reliable, scheme-flexible interior lineman with experience in zone-heavy systems. Cleveland is widely regarded as a steady, professional presence, praised for his work ethic, coachability, and willingness to adapt positions for the benefit of the unit.

Strengths

• Athleticism & Mobility: Cleveland exhibits above-average movement skills for an interior lineman, effective pulling, climbing to the second level, and operating in space.

• Zone-Run Fit: Natural fit in outside zone and wide zone schemes, Cleveland understands angles and leverage in flow-based run concepts.

• Pass Protection Technique: As a former left tackle, Cleveland shows good hand placement and balance, along with the quick footwork to mirror twitchy interior disruptors and pick up blitzers.

• Durability & Availability: Cleveland routinely plays through small nicks and bumps despite a high snap volume and his toughness is consistently on display.

Weaknesses

• Anchor vs. Power: As a taller guard, Cleveland can be walked back by strong, bull-rushing defensive tackles. His anchor strength is adequate most times, but not dominant against 330+ tackle with any semblance of a quick step.

• Finishing Power: Early in his career, Cleveland had a reputation of being more of a positional blocker and technician than a people-mover, but many have seen a shift in attitude since the hiring of Liam Coen in 2025.

• Hand Strength: Cleveland can lose late in reps when defenders re-counter, demonstrating that his grip strength and sustain can be inconsistent..

• Effort Penalty Risk: Occasional gets busted for holding when compensating for power rushers and can get grabby if beat early.

Outlook

Ezra Cleveland profiles best as a starting-caliber guard in a zone-based offensive scheme that emphasizes athleticism, timing, and movement rather than raw power. He is particularly effective in offenses that utilize outside zone, stretch, and play-action concepts, where his ability to reach, pull, and climb to linebackers is maximized. While not an ideal fit for gap-heavy, power-first systems that demand dominant point-of-attack strength, Cleveland offers dependable pass protection and run-game consistency when used properly. Entering his prime years, he projects as a solid multi-year starter or high-end interior swing option, bringing stability, versatility, and professionalism to an offensive line room.