Jedrick Wills will thrive in pass protection but not run blocking
Cleveland’s top pick will start right away at left tackle. That’s not a bold prediction; it’s a fact the team has already acknowledged. But how will Wills perform at left tackle?
He’ll be a great upgrade in pass protection over Greg Robinson, the starter the last two seasons. Wills uses his athleticism, footwork, technique and strength very well already, and Baker Mayfield will benefit from having his blind side protected by such a skilled player. However, Wills needs work as a run blocker, and his early learning curve could take a toll on Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt and the Browns run game.
Wills doesn’t sustain his run blocks as much as he hits and runs. That technique works much better in college, where defenders will be more impacted by his jolting initial contact. Playing against NFL EDGEs and sturdier linebackers will prove much more complicated.