Cleveland Browns address biggest need, draft Jedrick Wills at No. 10
By Dan Justik
The Cleveland Browns held firm with the No. 10 selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, and selected offensive tackle Jedrick Wills from Alabama.
The Cleveland Browns entered the 2020 NFL Draft with left tackle being their biggest need, and they addressed the position with their first round pick, selecting Alabama left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. with the No. 10 selection.
Wills had long been considered the top offensive tackle in the 2020 draft class until Tristan Wirfs and Mekhi Becton blew up the NFL Combine. However, the Browns stuck firm to their scouting and believed Wills was the best offensive tackle available when they were on the clock.
Wills has started at right tackle for the Alabama Crimson Tide the last two seasons. In his two seasons starting, Wills allowed only one sack, according to Pro Football Focus. While being solid in pass protection, Wills was more of a dominant run blocker using his powerful hands.
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The expectation is Wills will play left tackle for the Browns despite playing at right tackle his entire career with Alabama. However, since Tua Tagovailoa throws lefty, Wills was protecting for his blindside. Although he will have to alter his mechanics, he has experience protecting a quarterback’s blindside and the move to the left should not be an issue.
There were questions of if the Browns would stand firm at No. 10 or if they would decide to trade down and recoup some mid-round picks. However, the Browns ran to turn their pick in once it became clear Wills was still available.
The addition of Wills will solidifies Cleveland’s offensive line, which was the biggest need on the roster. With the signing of Jack Conklin in free agency and the selection of Wills, the Browns have now built a formidable front to protect Baker Mayfield.
Now with a strong offensive line protecting Mayfield, the Browns offense has the potential of being the explosive unit they were expected to be in 2019. Cleveland also has a tough unit who can impose their will and potentially dominate run blocking.
Next. Browns should look for Rashard Higgins 2.0 for Baker Mayfield. dark
Cleveland entered the draft knowing they needed to improve their offensive line and drafted arguably the best offensive tackle in the class. In Andrew Berry’s first draft as the Cleveland Browns general manager, he nailed his first selection.