Why Browns fans should be excited about Jedrick Wills

The Browns filled their biggest need with a blue-chip prospect by landing Alabama offensive tackle Jedrick Wills in the 2020 NFL Draft

The Browns made it a point of emphasis to improve their offensive line this offseason, and they did exactly that by selecting Alabama offensive tackle Jedrick Wills with the No. 10 pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

The 6-foot-4, 312-pound Wills played as a right tackle with the Crimson Tide, but he projects well on the blind side if Cleveland so envisions him playing there. A well-rounded tackle prospect who stakes a claim to being the most talented offensive lineman in the 2020 class, Wills is a polished player who uses his hands effectively, timing and placing his strikes with acute precision. He keeps his pads low and is able to maintain a low center of gravity, maximizing his anchor strength and keeping good balance.

Wills’ physical tools give him some intriguing value at the next level, as well. He is a solid athlete who moves around with pretty good body control and lateral quickness for his size. His strength is admirable, as he latches onto defenders with an imposing grip and has the raw power to manhandle an opponent at the point of attack, as well as the force in his lower body to keep his legs churning and drive defenders back. Combine that strength with his red-hot motor, and Wills projects to be a high-quality tackle in the NFL.

The Browns added Jack Conklin in free agency, and while the former Titans starter will shore up the right tackle spot, they still needed an improvement at the other tackle position. If all goes well, Wills should be able to start right away at left tackle and give Cleveland an anchor at that position that they’ve lacked since Joe Thomas retired after the 2017 season.

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2020 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns team preview

Cleveland Browns 2020 NFL Draft preview

Everything Cleveland Browns fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL draft.

Vitals

Head Coach: Kevin Stefanski

General Manager: Andrew Berry

2019 record: 6-10

2020 draft picks

1 (10)

2 (41)

3 (74)

3 (97)

4 (115)

6 (187)

7 (244)

Team Needs

Offensive Tackle

Despite the signing of offensive tackle Jack Conklin, the Browns still desperately need help along the offensive line. They should have their pick of two of the three top tackles in the first round and you have to assume this is the direction they will go. In fact, the Browns might draft multiple offensive linemen to hedge their bets.

Safety

The Browns are pretty shorthanded at safety and did nothing to truly address it in free agency. So don’t be shocked if they use a day two pick on one of the more athletic guys in what is turning out to be a very deep safety group.

Linebacker

The loss of Joe Schobert left a big hole in the middle of the Browns defense and the absence of his production will be missed. There are several middle round prospects who have been highly productive college players despite not having overwhelming athletic traits who could fill a similar role with the Browns.

Top Targets

Tristin Wirfs | OT | Iowa

Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville

Grant Delpit | S | LSU

Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota

Logan Wilson | LB | Wyoming

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