Boise State’s Ezra Cleveland invited to ‘participate virtually’ in the NFL Draft
Boise State left tackle Ezra Cleveland was one of 58 prospects invited Thursday evening to “participate virtually” in the NFL Draft, which begins April 25.
Historically, players invited to the draft are believed to have first-round potential. Because of limitations on large gatherings, the draft won’t take place in Las Vegas as scheduled, though, and players and team personnel will be in separate locations.
The NFL announced Monday that the draft would proceed with a fully virtual format. Team personnel have been advised to be in separate locations, using phone and the internet to communicate.
Cleveland announced Dec. 24 that he would skip his senior year and enter the draft. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.93 seconds — one of the fastest times among offensive linemen.
On March 23, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper said he sees Cleveland as an early second-round pick at worst.
Cleveland started 40 games the past three seasons at Boise State, and he was a first-team All-Mountain West pick the past two years.
After he set the Mountain West’s career sacks record last fall, former Boise State pass rusher Curtis Weaver wasn’t invited to participate. He ranked No. 5 in the country with 13.5 sacks last season and declared for the draft on Jan. 28.
This story was originally published April 9, 2020 at 8:32 PM.
