Jedrick Wills completes the final cornerstone for the Cleveland Browns. There are four cornerstones every NFL franchise covets. The pass rusher, the quarterback, the running back/wide receiver, and the left tackle (right tackle for left-handed quarterbacks).
Here’s a look at the Browns’ last four first-round picks (or equivalents). The Browns added defensive end, Myles Garrett, at number one overall in 2017. In 2018, they followed through with quarterback Baker Mayfield. In 2019, the Browns traded a first-round pick for receiver Odell Beckham Jr. In 2020, the Browns landed Jedrick Wills after a three-season search since Joe Thomas retired.
Four drafts, four cornerstones, and one hungry franchise with a lot to prove. After a disappointing 2019 campaign, the Browns are looking to redeem themselves.
Browns Find Left Tackle in Jedrick Wills
What Does Jedrick Wills Bring to Cleveland?
He joins an offensive line that’s loaded with talent in Joel Bitonio, J.C. Tretter, and right tackle Jack Conklin. Wills solidifies an otherwise solid offensive line that needed a left tackle.
Wills also brings experience. At Alabama, he played in 11 games as a freshman and started one. As a sophomore in 2018, he stepped in and started 15 games for the Crimson Tide at right tackle.
In 2019, he started in 13 games at right tackle, giving him 29 games of starting experience and 39 games at the collegiate level. It’s an impressive resume for a player who won’t turn 21 until May.
Strengths
Every scouting report cites his mean streak. He’s a man on a mission each play and his agility and footwork allow Wills to stick with the best pass rushers. Coupled with his agility, Wills also displays a fantastic base, power, and balance. All essential for an NFL offensive tackle.
Wills’ athleticism stands out more than any other trait, and per NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein’s scouting report, Wills “moves like a tight-end in space to adjust to moving targets.”
This says a lot about what the Browns are getting. And over the past two seasons, since Joe Thomas retired, the team struggled with athletic pass rushers, as evidenced by Baker Mayfield taking 40 sacks in 2019.
Weaknesses
Zierlein’s tight-end analogy and comparison to tackle Jason Peters reveals a flaw in Wills. He’s undersized, standing at just 6’4″. It makes him one of the shorter tackles in football, where the average height is between 6’5″ or 6’7″.
This should be the biggest concern for the Browns when Wills goes up against lankier pass rushers. Will size become an issue? Zierlein points out Wills showed confusion in recognizing the blitz at Alabama. One of the most distinguishing differences between the college game and NFL game is the ability for defenses to disguise complicated blitz packages.
New offensive line coach Bill Callahan must ensure this weakness doesn’t spill into the regular season because the entire point on drafting Wills was to protect Mayfield’s blindside.
Finally, Wills has to swing to left tackle after playing right tackle only in college. Outstanding NFL tackles have done it. Just ask Tyron Smith of the Dallas Cowboys. We’ll label it a weakness for now but we’ll wait and see how Wills fares when the pads eventually come on and teams are given the green light to begin OTAs, minicamps, and training camps.
Where Do the Browns Go in Later Rounds?
The consensus among many was that the Browns needed a left tackle and many in Cleveland circles were hoping for Andrew Thomas to fall. Logistically, it made sense, but Thomas ended up going to the New York Giants with the fourth overall pick. He was the first tackle off the board.
What comes next?
The Browns still have gaping holes and a huge one on offense at right guard. It’s logical to see Cleveland go with a guard, or perhaps a center or tackle who can step in and play right guard.
The Browns also have two holes at linebacker. While second-year pro Mack Wilson fills one position, the rest of the unit is barren. B.J. Goodson was a solid pickup, but he’s a better fit to be a role player. Sione Takitaki recorded just 21 stops in 2019.
The other four linebackers are Tae Davis, Montrel Meander, Jermaine Grace, and Willie Harvey Jr. None of whom figure to be starting on Sunday.
The Browns can add a safety or another defensive tackle. But with Andrew Sendejo and Karl Joseph holding down safety, it’s unlikely to see the Browns draft one in the second or third rounds. Defensive tackle is a logical choice even after the Browns signed Andrew Billings. Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi are decent starters, but they’re better in the pass rush. Look for the Browns to snag a run stopper on Day 2 of the draft at either linebacker, defensive tackle, or both.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
