2020 NFL Draft: Grading all 15 Minnesota Vikings picks

The Minnesota Vikings entered night two with just one second and third-round selections in a very busy draft. Outside of cornerback, offensive tackle looked to be the most pressing position group for Spielman to address and once again, Spielman addressed one of the biggest needs with the best player available.

Boise State tackle, Ezra Cleveland was projected to go as high as the first round with some mocks having the Vikings take the tackle at 22 or 25. While the Vikings were unable to complete a move for want-away Washington tackle, Trent Williams, Spielman was able to bring in a future tackle without trading draft picks or taking on an additional cap hit at the position.

According to Spotrac, current left tackle Riley Rieff accounted for the second biggest cap hit to the team over the next two seasons, only trailing Kirk Cousins. With Washington owing the 31-year-old tackle $12.5 million in 2020, the Vikings were able to address the position with a cheaper, long-term option.

The Minnesota Vikings were in a fortunate position during the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft with both Josh Jones and Cleveland available at 58. Cleveland could challenge Rieff for the starting job this season but is considered more of a developmental player, and given the current impact on COVID-19’s impact to the NFL season, could halt his progressional to 20201.

Cleveland is an exciting tackle prospect given his speed and quickness which saw him complete a 4.93 40-yard dash and a 7.26 three-cone drill. Cleveland has the frame to add on weight and the is a strong fit in a zone-blocking offense. While he shouldn’t be expected to start right away, he may take the role from Reiff sooner than expected and should expect to take over the starting role by the time Rieff’s contract expires in 2021.

Grade: A-