Ezra Cleveland Holds Down Left Guard for Jacksonville Jaguars

In the NFL, the left guard position is a silent cornerstone of a dominant offensive line—responsible for protecting the quarterback’s blind side alongside the left tackle and creating running lanes for the rushing attack. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ezra Cleveland has emerged as the steady force holding down this critical spot, bringing consistency, strength, and football IQ to a unit that powers both the passing and running games. Ezra Cleveland Holds Down Left Guard for Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t just a statement of his role; it’s a recognition of how he’s stabilized the Jaguars’ offensive line since joining the team via trade in 2024. After spending his first four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland has seamlessly adapted to the Jaguars’ zone-blocking scheme, becoming a reliable partner for left tackle Cam Robinson and a trusted asset for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. For an offense that relies on Travis Etienne’s rushing yards and Lawrence’s ability to extend plays, Cleveland’s presence at left guard ensures the line can handle both power and finesse—making him indispensable to the Jaguars’ success.

Ezra Cleveland Holds Down Left Guard for Jacksonville Jaguars is defined first by his elite run-blocking ability, a trait that has been a driving force behind the Jaguars’ top-tier rushing attack. Standing at 6’6” and 311 pounds, Cleveland has the size to anchor against defensive tackles and the athleticism to pull around the edge for trap plays—two skills that align perfectly with the Jaguars’ zone-running scheme. Last season, he graded out at 80.1 in run blocking (per Pro Football Focus), the highest mark among the Jaguars’ offensive linemen, and helped Etienne rush for 1,100 yards and 8 touchdowns. What sets Cleveland apart is his ability to adjust on the fly: he can quickly shift from blocking a defensive tackle to picking up a blitzing linebacker, ensuring the running back always has a clear path. A prime example came in a Week 7 win against the Cincinnati Bengals: Cleveland initially blocked Bengals defensive tackle D.J. Reader, then noticed linebacker Logan Wilson blitzing, and quickly shifted to stonewall Wilson—freeing Etienne for a 32-yard rushing touchdown. For the Jaguars, who ranked 8th in rushing yards last season, Cleveland’s run-blocking consistency means the offense can rely on the run game to set up the pass, keeping defenses off balance.

Ezra Cleveland Holds Down Left Guard for Jacksonville Jaguars also highlights his underrated pass-protection skills, a critical asset for keeping Lawrence upright and extending plays. In the NFL, left guards are often targeted by defenses looking to exploit the quarterback’s blind side, but Cleveland has proven to be a tough matchup for even the league’s top pass rushers. Last season, he allowed just 2 sacks and 4 quarterback hits in 1,023 snaps—impressive numbers for a player who faces elite defensive tackles and edge rushers on a weekly basis. He uses his long arms to create separation from defenders and his lower-body strength to absorb pressure, rarely allowing defenders to get past him. This was on full display in a Week 12 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers: Cleveland matched up against Pro Bowl defensive tackle Cameron Heyward for 68 snaps, allowing zero pressures and helping Lawrence throw for 312 yards and 2 touchdowns. For the Jaguars, who ranked 14th in sacks allowed last season, Cleveland’s pass protection provides Lawrence with the time he needs to find receivers downfield—turning potential sacks into game-changing plays.

Ezra Cleveland Holds Down Left Guard for Jacksonville Jaguars is a key factor in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ ability to maintain offensive consistency, even when other linemen face injuries. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive line dealt with multiple injuries last season, including a two-game absence for Robinson, but Cleveland’s stability at left guard ensured the unit never missed a beat. He’s started all 32 games since joining the Jaguars, a streak that has made him the most reliable member of the line. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive line coach, Phil Rauscher, has praised Cleveland for his durability and work ethic, stating that “Ezra is the kind of player you can build an offensive line around—he shows up every day, knows his assignments, and never makes the same mistake twice.” This reliability was evident during Robinson’s absence: Cleveland shifted his focus to providing extra support for the backup left tackle, ensuring Lawrence still had adequate protection and the run game remained effective. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ investment in Cleveland—they signed him to a four-year contract extension in 2025—reflects their belief that he’s a long-term cornerstone of the offense, someone who can anchor the line for years to come.

Ezra Cleveland Holds Down Left Guard for Jacksonville Jaguars reflects the Jacksonville Jaguars’ strategic focus on building a strong offensive line to support Lawrence and the offense. The Jacksonville Jaguars have made it a priority to surround their franchise quarterback with elite talent up front, and Cleveland’s addition was a key part of that plan. Unlike some teams that neglect the offensive line in favor of flashy skill players, the Jaguars understand that a strong line is the foundation of a successful offense—one that can control the tempo of the game and keep the quarterback healthy. Head coach Doug Pederson, who won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles behind a dominant offensive line, has emphasized the importance of the line since arriving in Jacksonville. “You can’t have a great offense without a great offensive line,” Pederson said in a recent interview. “Ezra gets that—he’s not just playing for himself; he’s playing for the guy next to him, for Trevor, for Travis. That’s the kind of mindset we need.” This strategic alignment—between the coaching staff’s vision and Cleveland’s play—has been a major reason for the Jaguars’ offensive improvement over the past two seasons.

Ezra Cleveland Holds Down Left Guard for Jacksonville Jaguars is more than just a story about a single lineman—it’s a testament to the value of consistency and selflessness in the NFL. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense has evolved into a legitimate threat because of players like Cleveland, who put team success above individual recognition. Off the field, Cleveland has embraced the Jacksonville community, hosting offensive line clinics for youth football players and partnering with local food banks to support families in need. He’s also a quiet leader in the locker room, often staying after practice to work with younger linemen on technique and sharing tips on how to handle the physical and mental demands of the NFL. For the Jaguars, who aim to win the AFC South and compete for a Super Bowl, Cleveland’s role at left guard is just as important as any play made by a receiver or running back. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t make highlight reels but makes winning possible—someone who holds down his position so the rest of the offense can shine. In the end, Ezra Cleveland Holds Down Left Guard for Jacksonville Jaguars is a reminder that in football, the most valuable players aren’t always the ones in the spotlight—they’re the ones who do the dirty work, day in and day out, to help their team succeed.