The Minnesota Vikings selected offensive tackle Ezra Cleveland with the 58th pick in the NFL Draft on Friday night.
Even in a class deep in offensive tackles, Cleveland managed to elbow his way into a top-10 discussion largely dominated by studs from the power-five conferences. The mid-major star was old reliable in three seasons for Boise State, clearing the way for a 1,000 yard rusher in each of those campaigns.
That reputation might have consigned the soon-to-be 22-year-old to the mid- or late rounds, but Cleveland became one of the top stories of February's Scouting Combine with a standout performance.
Here's what you need to know about Ezra Cleveland:
Measurables: 6’6”/311
School: Boise State
Accolades: First-Team All-Mountain West 2019, Second-Team All-Mountain West 2018, All-Mountain West Honorable Mention 2017, Academic All-Mountain West 2017
Strengths:
• Starred at Combine in the shuttle and three-cone cone drills, and 40-yard dash
• Three years' experience as starter
• Ideal height and plus athleticism
• Light on his feet
• Played through foot injury last season
Weaknesses:
• Was good but not dominant against weaker college competition
• Looks light up top and could generally stand to add bulk
• May be a development project given physical and technique concerns
Expert scout analysis:
• "Has a ton of experience and good athleticism, but he lacks the power needed to handle NFL pass-rushers as a rookie starter. He's a fine developmental player" -- Matt Miller of Bleacher Report
• "Not just a workout warrior ... has stellar tape" -- Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN
• "The history of guys who have elite cones and shuttle drills at the tackle position is very good" -- Mike Renner of Pro Football Focus
Tape:
Player Comparison: Andre Dillard, per Eric Edholm of Yahoo Sports
The Eagles traded up late in the first round to snag Dillard, a Washington State product, at No. 24 overall last year. Dillard, the presumed successor to Jason Peters at left tackle, didn't play a ton last season (four starts) while refining his game but is projected to be a starter in 2020 -- a path Cleveland could find himself on before long.