Boise State’s Ezra Cleveland Would Fit Perfectly With The Green Bay Packers

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April 19, 2020

Boise State’s Ezra Cleveland is one of the top offensive tackles in the 2020 draft.

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Note: The NFL Draft begins April 23 and the Green Bay Packers have the 30^th pick in the first round. I’m in the process of examining 30 players the Packers could select with that pick.

Today, we look at Boise State offensive tackle Ezra Cleveland. A full list of players that have been spotlighted is at the bottom of this story.

EZRA CLEVELAND, OT, BOISE STATE

THE SKINNY

Cleveland was a two-time, first-team All-Mountain West Conference left tackle. Cleveland redshirted in 2016, was an honorable-mention all-conference left tackle in 2017, then had terrific years in both 2018 and 2019.

Cleveland then exploded at the NFL Combine and there’s been a buzz around him since.

Cleveland ran the 40-yard dash in 4.93 seconds, the third-fastest among offensive linemen. His 3-cone time of 7.26 seconds and his short-shuttle run of 4.46 seconds were also the best among all offensive linemen.

In addition, Cleveland bench pressed 225 pounds an impressive 30 times.

MEASURABLES

Height: 6-6

Weight: 311

Bench press: 30

40-yard dash: 4.93

Vertical jump: 30”

Broad jump: 110”

Arms: 33 3/8”

Hands: 9”

SCOUTING REPORT

Cleveland is one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the draft. His speed and acceleration help him hit the second level quickly and allows him to reach places many linemen simply can’t get to.

Cleveland’s footwork is impressive and he consistently mirrors the edge rushers he’s blocking. Cleveland also has the power to overwhelm foes and his overall body control is outstanding.

Cleveland doesn’t have much of a mean streak, though, and his functional strength isn’t great. His lower body strength also must improve and he has just modest length.

Thanks to his mobility and range, though, Cleveland should be an immediate fit for teams that employ a zone blocking scheme.

PACKERS’ PREDICAMENT

Green Bay had one of the top offensive lines in football in 2019, but went backwards during free agency.

The Packers let elite right tackle Bryan Bulaga sign with the Los Angeles Chargers and signed former Lion Rick Wagner to replace him. That’s risky business, considering Pro Football Focus ranked Wagner just 62^nd overall among offensive tackles last season and Detroit released him on March 13.

Adding a player like Cleveland would be large in both 2020 — and for the future.

Cleveland would be a natural fit in Green Bay’s zone blocking scheme and could compete with Wagner for the right tackle job this season. Cleveland could also move to the left side in 2021 if standout David Bakhtiari leaves in free agency.

Either way, Cleveland would upgrade the Packers’ offensive line this year — and in future seasons.

THEY SAID IT

ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper on Cleveland: “After Cleveland’s excellent combine performance in which he ran a 4.93 40 (the third-fastest among offensive linemen) and looked great in the agility drills, I went back to the tape to study him. And what I saw was a left tackle who I was underrating.”

Gil Brandt, a Pro Football Hall of Fame front office man, on Cleveland: “I like Cleveland a lot. He performed unbelievably well (at the Combine) and surprised a lot of people by throwing the bar up 30 times (in the bench press). He did a complete workout. He had everything going for him. Eventually, he’s going to be a very, very good football player.”

Cleveland, on whether he rather face a speed or power rusher: “I feel like speed is easier to stop and handle. Power requires you to use more brute force. It’s tough to explain. With power, you really have to hone in on your strength. Your technique is really important. With speed, you can play with your feet rather than anchoring.”