Jedrick Wills Jr. was the Browns pick in the first round, #10 overall.
Coming out of the University of Alabama, he was selected to protect Baker Mayfield’s blindside.
Let’s take a look at how he is doing at the mid-way point of the year.
He’s Ridiculously Athletic
Just look at this play against the Bengals.
Jedrick Wills getting up and through the alley on DART like he's running the rock. Young man is so athletic.
Also, Wyatt Teller peeling here late to pick up 57's blitz saves this 3rd down. Teller has put together two very impressive starts to begin 2020. #Browns pic.twitter.com/yMpoKrZ4Mf
— OBR Film Breakdown (@TheOBRFilmBDN) September 19, 2020
This is a giant of a man (listed at 6’5″ and 320 lbs.).
Andrew Berry knew he had a great talent on his hands when he turned in the draft card to select him.
While he has had some issues with penalties (he’s racked up 7 on the season), tackle is a lot like wide receiver in the NFL as it takes some time to make the transition from college to the professional ranks.
But, the man hasn’t disappointed.
Jedrick Wills Jr pass-block grade in Wk 8: 86.2
🔸 1st among rookie OTs
🔸 5th among all OTs pic.twitter.com/k0Aod934Uv— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 4, 2020
He had a few gaffes against the Raiders in the Browns’ last game, but he has been a steady presence on the offensive line.
Look at this comparison between Wills and the rest of his draft class at his position.
QB pressure % allowed by 1st RD OTs
1. Tristan Wirfs, Buc – 4.6%
2. Jedrick Wills Jr, Browns – 5.0%
3. Mekhi Becton, Jets – 6.8%
4. Austin Jackson, Dolphins – 7.6%
5. Andrew Thomas, Giants – 14.6% pic.twitter.com/z8ezDhIeLe— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 29, 2020
As I said before, the transition from college to the pro ranks is rough for tackles.
Wills has played to his potential while working out those rookie mistakes.
He has shown he can be a building block and steady presence on the offensive line, mauling defenders in run blocking and holding up his end pass blocking.
The Browns have been looking for a book-end left tackle since Joe Thomas retired after the 2017 season.
While those may be big shoes to fill, Jedrick Wills Jr. has done a nice job so far.
Do you really think he can fill Joe Thomas’ shoes?
I think he’s got the talent to be a great left tackle for the Browns. Is he a Hall of Famer? I can’t say that for sure this early in his career.