In the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the LA Chargers select: Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
There is a chance that Ezra Cleveland goes as high as the mid-second round and that could mean that the Chargers would have to select him a bit early if he is the offensive tackle prospect that the team is eye-balling. Of course, they could also always trade down in the round and get more capital, if that is what they wanted to do.
In the best-case scenario, Cleveland would fall to the early third round where the Chargers would be there to scoop him up. He is ranked 62nd on this composite big board, narrowly making it into the threshold for our selection.
The Chargers have done a great job in improving the offensive line this offseason and they do not need to spend a first or second-round pick on a tackle, as they can afford to give the job to Trey Pipkins at the beginning of the season.
However, they still need depth and still need someone with a higher ceiling, which is exactly what Cleveland is. Cleveland does not have starting left tackle size, but that is something he can add in the transition to the NFL and is why he might no start right away.
Even if he does start right away he should be able to hold his own. He was one of the best run-blockers in the country last season and while he is not as effective in pass blocking, he would not be blocking the blindside, as Tua is left-handed.
Cleveland is someone who has a lot of potential and should be on the Chargers’ radar.