Report: Patriots FaceTimed With Top Offensive Line Prospect

The New England Patriots had a lot of struggles with their offensive line in 2019. Head coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft won’t let the same thing happen again. They have already talked to Boise State left tackle Ezra Cleveland on FaceTime as confirmed by The Draft Wire’s Justin Melo. The NFL decided to close the NFL facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Video teleconference is the only option teams have when it comes to scheduling draft meetings.

Cleveland also had meetings with the Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons. He has good size at athleticism at 6-foot-6, 311 pounds. Cleveland ran a 4.93-second 40-yard dash with a 7.26-second 3-cone drill, 4.46-second short shuttle, 30-inch vertical leap and 9-feet, 3-inch broad jump at the NFL Scouting Combine. The player also bench pressed 225 pounds 30 times.

Cleveland’s spider graph, via MockDraftable.com, reveals his impressive percentiles vs. NFL offensive linemen.

Cleveland lacks arm length (33 3/8 inches), and some teams may move him inside to guard. Patriots left tackle Isaiah Wynn also has 33 3/8-inch arms. Don’t forget that.

The player allowed three sacks, two QB hits, and seven hurries in 2019 as noted by Pro Football Focus. They also noted that the offensive line prospect needs to work on his playing strength.

The Patriots need help with their offensive line

Cleveland ranges between a first to mid-round prospect. New England could use more depth on their offensive line with relative uncertainty at left guard, center and right tackle. Patriots left guard Joe Thuney was signed to the franchise tag and he may be traded. Center David Andrews missed the 2019 season due blood clots in his lungs. Right tackle Marcus Cannon may easily turn into a cap casualty as the team attempts to free up salary-cap space.

New England lost backup center Ted Karras in free agency to the Miami Dolphins. 2019 draft picks Yodny Cajuste and Hjale Froholdt are their only options at the moment. They both missed their rookie seasons with injuries.