Everyone loves Jedrick Wills now, but what did the professional evaluators have to say about the new Browns left tackle prior to the draft? Here’s a sampling from the scouting reports on Wills from several different draft analysts.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic
In his draft guide “The Beast”, Brugler ranked Wills as the top tackle prospect. Brugler noted,
“Overall, Wills is a balanced, light-footed big man with the explosive power, aggressive mentality and budding confidence that should translate very well to the NFL level, projecting as a long-term NFL starter with All-Pro upside.”
Wills was the No. 5 overall player on their combined big board among all the Draft Network analysts. One of them, Kyle Crabbs, had this to say of Wills’ pass protection skills,
He’s an elite pass protector with the best blend of step cadence, framing, redirection skill, patience and anchor ability. Quick sets, vertical sets, 45 degree sets — you name it, he can execute at a high level.
Analyst Joe Marino offered this assessment of Wills,
Dominant functional strength that shows up in a big way when run blocking. Generates tremendous movement and he knows how to maximize his power by rolling his hips through contact. Outstanding ability to find leverage points on his opponents and exploit them. Hands are heavy and his anchor is stout. Does well to fit his hands and his grip strength is unbreakable.
Kiper also listed Wills as his top offensive tackle prospect. Focusing on his ability in the run game, Kiper had this to say of Wills,
“Alabama averaged 7.7 yards per rush outside the right tackle in 2019, which ranked third in the FBS.”
Ourlads scouting guide
Longtime NFL scout Dan Shonka and his crew ranked Wills the No. 4 offensive tackle. In their printed draft guide, they covered a wide range of scouting angles.
Noting Wills’ “feet are lightning quick and always active”, they also cite footwork and hands “that are as sure as it gets”. One issue listed is a lack of technical focus,
“Has a hard time protecting his chest and it will cause him to play from an initial deficit. Seems mentally slow to react.”
Not exactly a ringing endorsement, but Ourlads still believes Wills “has the look of a first-year starter”.
The popular analyst and host, as well as a former Browns scout, ranked Wills No. 10 overall. Here’s what Mr. “Move the Sticks” had to say about the big new Browns tackle,
He is a natural knee bender and he reworks his hands to maintain leverage/control. He is aware versus games and stunts. In the run game, he is at his best when working up to the second level. He also flashes the ability to roll his hips and uproot defenders over his nose. He’s never on the ground. Overall, Wills doesn’t have the ideal body type, but he has all of the necessary tools to be a 10-year starter at either tackle spot.
As for my own take, here’s what I wrote about Wills at RealGM, where he was my No. 9 overall player,
His core and lower-body strength and coordination are incredible. Very polished footwork in his pass sets, balanced and quick to adjust. I worry about how Wills invites defenders to hit his chest and then he parries them instead of locking in, but he’s really good at how he does it. Great movement as a seek-and-destroy run blocker. If Wills learns to sustain blocks instead of hit-and-run, he’ll live on All-Pro teams.