NFL Trade Deadline: Jaguars HC Doug Pederson Reacts to Ezra Cleveland Trade
The Jacksonville Jaguars used this week's trade deadline to bolster their offensive line, sending a 2024 sixth-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings for left guard Ezra Cleveland.
Appearing on the Pat McAfee Show in the midst of Tuesday's trade deadline, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson detailed why the Jaguars traded for Cleveland and explained what his likely role is.
Obviously getting a good player to come in here and help us and we've already got a good offensive line and Ezra can come in and give us some really good depth," Pederson said.
"And it's just a matter of getting him caught up and getting him in the room, you know, with with a really good offensive line. Guys like Brandon Scherff, I mean, he's the leader in there, and Luke Fortner. And, you know, I mean, you look at these guys, Cam Robinson, I mean, Walker Little, these guys are just busting their tail every week. So getting a guy like Ezra, his caliber, we got a starting-type guard who really, really solidifies you know, solidifies our offensive line and makes us better."
Cleveland, 25, was a second-round selection out of Boise State in 2020 and has appeared in 54 career games for the Vikings, starting 40. He has started most of his games at left guard, but did spend his rookie season at right guard.
Cleveland has started and appeared in six games this season, all at left guard. His rookie deal is set to expire at the end of the 2023 season. He has a connection with Jaguars offensive line coach Phil Rauscher, too, as Rauscher coached the Vikings offensive line in 2020 and 2021.
With Ezra now in the fold, the Jaguars' offensive line is likely expected to be, from left to right, Cam Robinson, Cleveland, Luke Fortner, Brandon Scherff, and rookie first-round tackle Anton Harrison.
