Can Ezra Cleveland come to Washington and live up to the hype?

Ezra Cleveland, OT

School: Boise State University | Conference: MWC

College Experience: RS Junior | Age: ?

Height / Weight: 6’6” / 311 lbs

Projected Draft Status: 2nd - 4th Round

Player Comparison: Joe Haeg

Player Overview

Ezra Cleveland opened eyes at the combine with a strong performance many did not expect. He completed the three-cone drill faster than Jalen Reagor despite being 100 lbs heavier. Pro Football Focus compares his pass protection athleticism to Tyron Smith, David Bakthiari, and Laremy Tunsil. Some analysts project Cleveland as a first-round pick. A high school wrestler, Cleveland redshirted his freshman year before starting 40 games at left tackle for Boise State over the past three season. His play earned him All-Mountain West First Team honors twice.

Strengths

· Athleticism and good footwork allows him to mirror defenders.

· Generally plays with good technique in the pass game, rarely getting off balance or panicking.

· Good at down blocking in the run game. Should be fit well into a zone blocking scheme

Weaknesses

· Can play high causing him to lose leverage or not get his hands on rushers flattening around the edge.

· Needs to get stronger. Doesn’t appear to play with much power, particularly in the run game. Punch in pass protection isn’t effective.

· Despite athleticism, didn’t see him pull block much in open space.

· May be too patient in pass protection sometimes, allowing defenders into his body

Let’s go to the video tape

How He Fits On The Redskins

Between the play of Morgan Moses and the lack of play by Trent Williams, many believe that two offensive tackles are needed in Washington. Unfortunately, Cleveland appears to be more of a combine warrior than pro-ready prospect. While he needs to improve his technique and strength, he has great athleticism that can be built upon. In a year or two, he could be ready to start. If drafted (and assuming Williams is on the roster and playing), Cleveland would likely replace Geron Christian Sr. as backup swing tackle with him getting a shot at LT when Williams moves on. Based on his tape, I would not consider Cleveland until at least Day 3 because of his lack of strength and questionable level of competition. But because of his athleticism, I think a team will draft him on Day 2 with the hopes he can be coached into a starter.