Ezra Cleveland Bio
Ezra Cleveland is an American professional football guard for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Boise State Broncos and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Cleveland has established himself as a reliable starting guard in the NFL, appearing in 93 games and starting 85 throughout his career. He signed a three-year contract extension with the Jaguars in March 2024, securing his place with the team through 2027.
Early Life and Background
Ezra Cleveland was born on May 8, 1998, in Spanaway, Washington. He was born three weeks early and weighed 11 pounds at birth. Cleveland attended Bethel High School in his hometown of Spanaway, Washington. During his high school career, he developed into a top offensive line prospect, attracting attention from multiple college programs across the country.
After completing his high school career at Bethel, Cleveland received scholarship offers from several universities. He ultimately decided to commit to Boise State University to play college football, choosing the Broncos over other potential programs. His decision to attend Boise State would prove instrumental in his development as a professional prospect.
Path to American Football
At Boise State, Cleveland redshirted his first season in 2016, using that year to adapt to the college level and develop his technique. The following year in 2017, he earned a spot in the starting lineup and never looked back. Over the next three seasons, Cleveland started 40 games for the Broncos, showcasing his durability and consistency at the left tackle position.
His standout performances during the 2018 and 2019 seasons earned him recognition as a two-time First-team All-Mountain West selection. After his junior season in 2019, Cleveland made the decision to enter the 2020 NFL Draft, forgoing his final year of collegiate eligibility. His combination of size, athleticism, and production made him one of the top offensive line prospects in his draft class.
Ezra Cleveland Career
Minnesota Vikings (2020–2023)
Ezra Cleveland was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 58th overall pick. The Vikings had invested a significant draft capital in the young offensive lineman, viewing him as a building block for their offensive line. After beginning his rookie season as a backup, Cleveland’s opportunity came in Week 6 when he was named the starting right guard. He went on to start nine games as a rookie, demonstrating his ability to contribute immediately at the NFL level.
In 2021, Cleveland was elevated to the role of starting left guard, a position he would maintain for the next several seasons. He started every game that season and continued that durability into 2022, when he again started all games for the Vikings. His consistency and ability to stay healthy made him a valuable piece of Minnesota’s offensive line. In 2023, Cleveland returned as the starting left guard and started the first six games of the season before his tenure with the Vikings came to an end.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2023–Present)
On October 31, 2023, Cleveland’s career took a new direction when he was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The trade represented an opportunity for Cleveland to join a Jaguars team that was building toward sustained success. He arrived in Jacksonville mid-season and continued his role as a starting guard.
Following the 2023 season, Cleveland’s performance and potential earned him a vote of confidence from the organization. On March 8, 2024, he signed a three-year contract extension with the Jaguars, securing his future with the team through the 2027 season. The extension signaled the team’s commitment to maintaining continuity along their offensive line. Cleveland has continued to start at guard for the Jaguars, providing stability and experience to a young roster.
Playing Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 6 inches and 312 pounds, Ezra Cleveland possesses the ideal size for an NFL offensive guard. His length and frame allow him to handle powerful defensive linemen in both the run and pass game. Cleveland is known for his durability, having started 85 of 93 career games, which demonstrates his reliability and ability to stay on the field week after week. His experience at both guard positions provides the Jaguars with positional flexibility along their offensive line.
Notable Events and Milestones
Cleveland’s career has been marked by steady progression since being drafted in 2020. His transition from a backup rookie to a full-time starter by his second season represents his ability to earn opportunities through performance. The trade to Jacksonville in 2023 and subsequent contract extension highlight his value as a starting-caliber guard in the NFL. His 40 college starts at Boise State and two First-team All-Mountain West honors established the foundation for his professional success.
Ezra Cleveland Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career, Ezra Cleveland has been a consistent performer on the offensive line, appearing in 93 games and starting 85 of them. His durability and reliability have been hallmarks of his professional career with both the Vikings and Jaguars organizations.
NFL Career Highlights
Cleveland was drafted in the second round (58th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft, representing one of the higher draft picks invested in an offensive lineman from that class. He quickly became a starter in the NFL, earning the starting right guard role in Week 6 of his rookie season. Over the subsequent seasons, he established himself as a durable starter, never missing significant time due to injury. His move to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023 and subsequent contract extension through 2027 reflect his continued status as a valued starting guard in the league.
College Achievements
At Boise State, Cleveland earned Second-team All-Mountain West honors in 2018 and 2019, recognition that highlighted his dominance against conference competition. His 40 career starts demonstrated his readiness for the professional level, where he has continued to build on that foundation of consistency and reliability.
Ezra Cleveland Family
Family Background
Details about Ezra Cleveland’s family background are not extensively documented in public sources. He grew up in Spanaway, Washington, and attended Bethel High School in his hometown, where his football journey began. Any additional information about his parents, siblings, or family lineage in athletics remains private.
Personal Life
Ezra Cleveland was born three weeks early and weighed 11 pounds at birth, indicating a naturally large frame from an early age. Cleveland maintains an active presence on social media, where he engages with fans. Beyond his football career, details about his personal life, relationships, or off-field interests are not widely reported in public sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a pivotal year for Ezra Cleveland as he enters his second full season with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the second year of his three-year contract extension signed in March 2024. Cleveland continues to serve as a starting guard for the Jaguars, providing veteran experience to an offensive line that anchors the team’s offense. His consistency and durability remain valuable assets as the team builds around a young core of talent.
The Jaguars organization has emphasized building through the offensive line as part of their long-term success strategy, and Cleveland’s presence provides stability in that effort. Working with the coaching staff and offensive line unit, Cleveland’s role focuses on both run blocking and pass protection as the team looks to improve its offensive efficiency. The continuation of his career in Jacksonville reflects both his performance on the field and the team’s confidence in his abilities to contribute to their goals.