Cleveland Browns: Kevin Stefanski backs Jedrick Wills as left tackle

Stefanski is sticking with Wills as Cleveland Browns LT

It’s not shocking at all to hear, but the Cleveland Browns have some rookies who are behind the eight-ball in camp. This isn’t their fault, but really a bye product of the NFL canceling offseason programs such as rookie minicamps and OTAs.

For that reason, players such as Jedrick Wills were unable to get to work until the official training camp began. And for him, it’s even more difficult since he’s moving from the right side to the left.

Sure, he had plenty of online meetings and coaching sessions but nothing takes the place of live reps. And because of that, offensive line coach Bill Callahan said Wills — like every other rookie in the NFL — is behind.

"“Rookies across the league are behind the curve,’’ Callahan said via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “Our goal is to bring him up to speed as fast as we can. We’ve really inundated him with techniques and walkthroughs. We’ve gone through several measures in the classroom showing him different players doing the techniques that we’re asking of him. The progress has been positive, but you just don’t know until you go up against live competition.’’"

With Callahan staying this, it led some to wonder if the team would be considering making a move and going with a veteran — at least early in the season. That won’t be the case, however, as Cabot also said that head coach Kevin Stefanski is “100 percent committed” to Wills being the guy.

Cabot also touched on the fact that Wills hasn’t been going up against Myles Garrett regularly, saying that this has more to do with what the defensive plans are than anything indicative of Wills or his level of play.

Cleveland is entering this season with a brand new set of starting tackles. Wills is working on the left side whereas free-agent addition Ryan Conklin will man the right side. He takes over for Chris Hubbard, who actually took a pay cut to be the swing tackle this season.

Even if Wills needs some on the job training, there’s no denying that the Browns should have a better line this season. They also have a great coach in Callahan who can help them get up to speed quickly as well as a head coach who won’t pull the plug at the first sign of trouble.