Vikings offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak said that Ezra Cleveland is playing guard during walk-throughs right now, per Chad Graff of The Athletic.
Cleveland being at guard, in addition to Riley Reiff being solidified at tackle, has Vikings fans wondering if Cleveland could win the starting right guard spot.
Minnesota terminated starting right guard Josh Kline’s contract, leaving that position open. The team drafted Cleveland in the second round this year, so it makes sense for the Vikings to think he’s capable of winning that spot.
What does Bleacher Report think? The outlet gave fact-or-fiction rulings for notable training camp storylines, and it gave Cleveland starting at guard the verdict of fiction.
Here’s what is said about Cleveland:
“Kubiak would take a significant risk if he attempts to plug a former tackle into the guard spot without a full offseason or preseason. Coming out of Boise State, Cleveland is a fluid athlete, though his limitations in strength may hurt his chances to beat out two natural guards.
The Vikings will give Cleveland a chance to win the job, but don’t expect him to start Week 1 over candidates more equipped for the role.”
Vikings Wire recently predicted that Cleveland would start at right guard in 2020. It’s possible that Dru Samia or Dakota Dozier could also take that spot. Right now, it’s hard to say definitely who will be Minnesota’s right guard in Week 1.