3 Cleveland Browns offensive X-factors vs. Ravens Week 1
By Clay Goodwin
2. Jedrick Wills Jr.
The Browns had a huge issue at the left tackle position last season. Despite having a promising end to the 2018 season, Greg Robinson was one of the worst starting tackles in 2019 and created problems for the Browns’ offense.
Andrew Berry addressed the issue in the NFL draft as he selected former Alabama offensive tackle, Jedrick Wills Jr. He is listed at 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds and is extremely athletic for a lineman. He dominated for the Crimson Tide in a tough SEC conference, but his biggest challenge is ahead of him.
Wills is tasked with switching from the right tackle position, to shoring up the Browns’ left tackle spot. He was on the right side at Alabama to protect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s blind side as he was a left-handed player. Switching to the left side in the NFL will not be easy but is very achievable for Wills.
Sunday will be Wills first NFL game and his first real live reps on the left side of the line. His job doesn’t get any easier as he will be forced to block Raven’s ends Matthew Judon and Calais Campbell, who are both Pro Bowlers.
The level of Wills’ success Sunday will likely be a large indicator of how well the offense will execute. If he holds off the pressure from their defensive line, our offense and team will be much more successful. If Wills gets beat more times than not, the offense may have a tough time getting going.
Look for Stefanski to bring Wills help in the form of running backs chipping or tight ends sliding for double teams. Wills has incredible talent, but his performance Sunday is a huge X-factor.