The Green Bay Packers must use the 2020 NFL Draft to provide the finishing touches on a team that won 13 regular-season games and got within one game of the Super Bowl during Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach.
Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect fitting the Packers’ roster needs.
Up next is Boise State offensive tackle Ezra Cleveland:
What he can do
– Tests as an elite athlete for the position, and it shows up on tape
– 33 3/8 inch arms are on the shorter side
– According to PFF, Cleveland gave up just 15 total pressures on 502 pass-blocking snaps in 2019. Allowed only 14 on 535 pass-blocking snaps the year before
– Strikes with good pad level and plays with strong hands
– Doesn’t struggle against power rushes. Plays under control and maintains good leverage. The question will be with how he handles bendier speed rushes. Has the athletic profile, but sometimes stands a little too tall coming out of pass sets or gets a little lazy riding the pass rusher around the pocket
– Natural feel for passing off stunts. Sometimes loses the hand battle, but generally works his hands independently when perceiving a twist. Keeps his head on a swivel as he processes the action in front of and adjacent to him
– Solid anchor. Extinguishes bull rushers.
– Aiming points are inconsistent in the run game. When he hits his aiming points, he can easily seal defenders and get favorable movement. This is more often seen within tighter confines like goalline situations or against slanting/stunting defensive linemen. Better suited in a zone scheme than a gap/power scheme
– Doesn’t always pass block passively. Can be the aggressor depending on the quarterback’s drop. Demonstrates variety in pass sets in his game
– Could sustain blocks a bit longer in the running game, specifically when the runs are to the backside. Good initial punch works but gives defenders space to pursue backside. Need to finish blocks more consistently
– When he knows the ball is being run directly behind him, he really fires off the ball and can bulldoze run defenders.
How he fits
The Packers’ recent signing of Ricky Wagner gives the Packers time to find their long-term right tackle, but Ezra Cleveland should, at minimum, fit in as a high-quality swing tackle. His shorter arms probably make him better suited on the right side, but as a rookie he could be a valuable swing tackle. Depending on his ceiling and development, he could step in as a rookie. The Packers had a similar plan for Elgton Jenkins, who quickly developed into their best guard. You can never have too many starting-caliber big guys. Cleveland looks like a good one.
NFL comp
Cuts a frame similar to Taylor Lewan. Draft Network’s Joe Marino sees a bit of Brian O’Neill.
Where Packers can get him
Since the combine, Cleveland has been climbing up draft boards. Depending on how things shake out, the Packers are probably looking at No. 30 or somewhere in the top half of the second round to get Cleveland. Some may view him as a developmental prospect, but the upside is there for Cleveland to be a long-term answer at a position known for its league-wide scarcity in quality.
Previous Prospects for the Pack
WR Tee Higgins
LB Kenneth Murray
LB Patrick Queen
WR Jalen Reagor
WR Justin Jefferson
TE Harrison Bryant
WR Denzel Mims
WR Brandon Aiyuk
WR/TE Chase Claypool
LB Zack Baun
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
OT Josh Jones
OT Austin Jackson
S Antoine Winfield Jr.
DL Raekwon Davis
DB Xavier McKinney
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
DL A.J. Epenesa
TE Hunter Bryant
RB Jonathan Taylor
RB Zack Moss
WR Michael Pittman
WR K.J. Hamler
WR John Hightower
LB Jordyn Brooks
LB Troy Dye
LB Willie Gay Jr.
OT Jack Driscoll
WR Devin Duvernay