Under general manager James Gladstone, the Jacksonville Jaguars haven't been afraid to cut ties with underperforming players the previous regime brougth in. This is why it looked like offensive guard Ezra Cleveland could be on the hot seat ahead of the regular season. He currently finds himself needing to fend off rookie Wyatt Milum. But if he ultimately loses his job, he will go down swinging.
Offensive line coach Shaun Sarrett had a sitdown with Mia O'Brien of 1010XL and said that Ezra is responding well to the position battle, pointing out that the veteran guard is aware the NFL is a production-based business.
"Well, the way Ezra said it now. He's not dumb, because you're always in the NFL, you always got a target on your back," Sarrett responded when asked how Cleveland is doing. (4:10 mark). "And I'll be the first one to say that. I was in Pittsburgh Steeler land, and I was with a guy named Ramon Foster. And my first year there, he had a bull's eye on his back. Well, I hate to say it, eight years later, who's still the starter, still had a bull's eye on his back, and he just kept winning the position. So Ezra is not dumb. We're always going to look for that next guy."
Sarrett continued, "That's just the way this business is. You know, it's the way it's been. It's about production. It's about getting that younger guy in here and developing them. And he understands that, but he's not backing down from the competition, by any means."
Cleveland, a second-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, was traded to the Jaguars at the midpoint of 2023. At the time, left guard was a massive need, and he was expected to address it. Unfortunately, injuries prevented him from hitting his stride. Slated to become a free agent, the former Boise State Bronco got a three-year extension. He managed to stay a bit healthier but still left a bit to be desired, giving up four sacks and 18 total pressures.
Why Ezra Cleveland could end up starting for the Jaguars in 2025
While the Jacksonville Jaguars won't hesitate to either bench or trade Ezra Cleveland if he fails to come through, he's also getting a fresh start and a legitimate chance to keep the starting job. And that's the thing, Wyatt Milum may be the long-term answer at left guard but may need time to adjust to the position after playing left tackle in college.
Meanwhile, Cleveland is a grizzled veteran, and it looks like having to fend off Milum was a wake-up call. Since he arrived, he didn't have to look over his shoulder because there was nobody who could take his job. That's changed with the new regime making several upgrades to the offensive line.
Fortunately, Ezra Cleveland is taking things in stride, and based on his coach's comments, there's a chance he could be on the starting lineup come Week 1. Whether he can hold onto his job the whole season will be the subject of another discussion.
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