Ezra Cleveland Has Quietly Emerged as Solid Option For Vikings OL
So much of this year’s focus has been on the foibles of the center position. Garrett Bradbury struggled early, and his absence provided Macon Cole an opportunity to start. The former Cardinal made the most of his chance, even snagging the starting spot after Bradbury was eligible to return. The Christian Darrisaw injury led to some serious OL shuffling, but two spots remained unchanged: LG and RT. Brain O’Neill, of course, is the man locking down the RT position. LG has been manned by Ezra Cleveland, who has quietly been doing a nice job for the Vikings.
A former second round pick, Cleveland played left tackle for Boise State. He was a backup entering the 2020 season, but he eventually started at RG due to necessity. Folks, it’s no small task for a rookie backup tackle to flip inside to guard. Folks, it’s no small task when that position switch also involves changing sides along the OL. It may seem minor to some fans, but it’s actually a big deal. The footwork is different, so the movement can often be clunky and unnatural for the first while. Some never fully adjust.
All things considered, Cleveland handled himself well during his rookie season. He finished the year with a 66.2 PFF score, a mark that ranked at 28th overall of the 80 guards ranked. He ended up playing 70% of the team’s offensive snaps, largely because of his ability to adjust to the position change.
This year, Klint Kubiak has very wisely opted to lean on Cleveland’s athleticism, who has played every offensive snap so far. The Vikings commonly ask Ezra Cleveland to be a pulling guard on runs to the right side. Take a look at this great angle:
Here is a different angle of the same run. Keep an eye on the LG. The Steelers DB doesn’t stand a chance:
We all know that Minnesota loves athletic offensive linemen. The above videos are a perfect example why. Getting Cleveland to pull means the Vikings now have a numbers advantage on the play side. Moreover, the defensive back is giving up more than 100 pounds to the person trying to block him. Obviously, the DB has more athleticism, but Cleveland is capable of getting his man. After all, Cleveland ran a 4.9 40, so it’s not like he’s a bad athlete.
Minnesota’s starting LG is counting for just over $1.2 million against the cap, meaning he’s currently a bargain. The Vikings have him under contract for the next two seasons for similarly modest numbers ($1.5 million and then $1.76 million). Don’t be surprised if he gets an extension heading into his fourth season.
Ezra Cleveland is providing quietly strong play for the Vikings. It’s his abilities that largely contribute to the Vikings’ offense being able to stay true to their identity. He can pull, reach block, and get down the field for screens. Dalvin Cook and Kirk Cousins need offensive linemen who can do these things. Hopefully, Kubiak finds a way to make the offense work as effectively in the second half as in the first half. He’d be wise to keep using his sophomore LG.
Purple PTSD Also Read: Justin Jefferson Has a Simple Goal in Year Three
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”919669″ player=”26281″ title=”Tom%20Brady%20calls%20Rob%20Gronkowski%20GOAT%20tight%20end” duration=”127″ description=”There’s no debate about the best QB to ever play. That goes to Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Tom Brady after he earned a seventh Super Bowl title a season ago.However, there’s a lesser-known debate going on around the NFL world. That includes who the best tight end to ever suit up is.” uploaddate=”2021-12-11″ thumbnailurl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/19439/thumb/919621_s_1639191335851.png” contentUrl=”https://cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/streaming/919621/919621.m3u8″]