Ezra Cleveland: too early to assess or an issue?

[StickyBun]

Seems like the team doesn't know where to put him. Starting out at guard was surprising to me. Listen, I don't know shit I'm just a fan but I was hoping this guy could be a starting tackle. Now I read he's 3rd string? Not sure if that's 100% accurate. Its early, I know, and things are so different with COVID. Not trying to ring the alarm bell here. 

We'll see, I guess. 

[Guest]

Looks like they were attempting to acquire another athlete @ OT to pair with O'Neil for years to come. I like the notion, it would be nice to be reading how he's excelling (i.e. The Needle) but it may just take him longer. Fingers and toes crossed. 

[Guest]

TBH, I didn't see him beating out Reiff for the LT position. As for playing guard, I guess the coaches just wanted to throw an option out there and see if he could handle it. Not surprising he's started out slowly....no spring practices, etc. I still think he'll work out in the end - good athletic traits, Dennision/Kubiak will put him in a scheme where he'll find success.

[Guest]

It's too early. According to Zim he's got a lot of technique work to do and that is something that will be coached over time, unlike size, athleticism and work ethic, things he apparently has in spades. So I doubt we'll even see him this year, but I feel pretty good that he'll follow a similar path as Andre Dillard, a first round left tackle taken by the Eagles last year, who basically red-shirted his first season but is slated to start at LT this season. 

I do think if he's not going to compete with either Dozier or Collins at left guard, then get him the hell over to LT now. IF they do keep him at left guard, the only possible reason for that would be because they think he has a chance to emerge as a starter there later in the year. 

[Guest]

Taking it slow with Ezra is totally fine if that's what's best for the player and team. I get it.

But that doesn't change the fact that the OL was a huge weakness last year. Outside of blind faith in some flyer-type players taking "the next step", where exactly is the upgrade along this line? Frustrating.
My outlook for this season is pretty tempered to be honest, but I am hopeful for the near future. We have lots of promising young guys.

[Guest]

I think they felt they were getting Oneill 2.0.  Gut feel is he will be a poor mans Oneill.  Could be a decent tackle, but has a ways to go.  He may end up getting blocked by Udoh.  It sounds like he is impressing.  I am honestly surprised they haven't tried him at guard.  There are pieces to move around on this line.  Reiff could go do guard if Hill or Udoh do well.  Center sounds promising.  The guard situation is definitely meh.  I think they will be better just by Bradbury taking the next step.  Should help both guards out.  Samia sounds like he isn't going to work out. 

[Guest]

I didn't expect Cleveland to start this year, that's not what I'm saying. What I'm saying is I thought the guy would at least play OT and maybe push next year to start. Sounds like he's got a long way to go regardless.

[Guest]

@StickyBun said:
I didn't expect Cleveland to start this year, that's not what I'm saying. What I'm saying is I thought the guy would at least play OT and maybe push next year to start. Sounds like he's got a long way to go regardless.

Yeah I hear you. I'm not sure what I hoped for exactly, but it was certainly something other than mostly status quo, and replacing Klein with a giant question mark.
Hopefully another year in Kubiak's system and Bradbury's expected progression is enough to boost the whole unit.

[Guest]

I think COVID is a huge factor. It might actually work out in his favor in that he will have more time from a learning perspective before he is actually playing and have less pressure to get into the starting lineup. Maybe not forcing the issue and letting things flow might be more beneficial.

[Guest]

@Kmerry82 said:
I think they felt they were getting Oneill 2.0.  Gut feel is he will be a poor mans Oneill.  Could be a decent tackle, but has a ways to go.  He may end up getting blocked by Udoh.  It sounds like he is impressing.  I am honestly surprised they haven't tried him at guard.  There are pieces to move around on this line.  Reiff could go do guard if Hill or Udoh do well.  Center sounds promising.  The guard situation is definitely meh.  I think they will be better just by Bradbury taking the next step.  Should help both guards out.  Samia sounds like he isn't going to work out. 

Agree. I think our best hope for improvement will come from Bradbury improving. And I'd say it's fairly likely. He had several good games and a handful of really, really awful games early on that drove his overall PFF grade down. If he can clean those up, we could see better line play overall. 

2nd on that list is probably O'Neill. He's been good, but he could be ready to be great. That could make a big difference. No idea what to expect from Elflein and Dozier. I don't expect Reiff to be any better or worse.