A few weeks ago, Boise State tackle Ezra Cleveland seemed ticketed for the second or third round. Now, it’s sounding more and more like he’ll hear his name called tonight. The Jaguars and Vikings are both showing serious interest in Cleveland, Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network hears.
The Browns have reportedly been enthralled with Cleveland, too, and not just because of his name. He has the potential to feature at four different offensive line spots (every one but center), plus enough bulk at 300+ pounds to hold his ground. Recently, NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo adds that the Boise State tackle is a “mortal lock” to be chosen in Round 1.
The Vikings have been exploring tackle options lately, even though Riley Reiff remains an option. If they drafted Cleveland, they slot the youngster at right tackle and kick Reiff inside. The Jaguars, meanwhile, will return every featured OL from last year, except for Cedric Ogbuehi, but they’re looking to bulk up the unit further.
The No. 10 pick would be too early for the Browns to take Cleveland, but they could trade down for him or fill a different need there and trade back into the first round later.
Guy looks direct from central casting for Bully’s Henchman #2
I hope the browns get him just cause the name
That would be really funny and that’s just because of the reason why you hope the Browns get him.
Andrew Thomas is still my preferred choice for the Browns. But if he’s off the board by 10 (and if Simmons is too), I wouldn’t mind moving back and picking up a second or third rounder while also adding Cleveland.
The biggest reason I’m not a huge fan of him right now is his lack of strength. He needs to bulk up a lot, but he’s athletic enough and has good enough technique that adding weight wouldn’t be as difficult.