Browns: Stock up/stock down after Week 17 victory

Stock down No. 2: Jedrick Wills

This entry on the list comes with a disclaimer, Jedrick Wills played fine on Sunday. But the reason that Wills’ stock is down is that ‘playing fine’ isn’t good enough for a top-10 pick at left tackle. Especially a top-10 pick who is entering the window for contract negotiations.

Also, it must be noted that Washington’s defensive line is one of the very best in the entire league. An afternoon of dealing with Chase Young, Montez Sweat, and Jonathan Allen is a lot for anyone to deal with. And more often than not, Wills was able to hold his own when called upon to handle the Washington edge defenders.

But there’s no denying that Wills’ effort on a play-in and play-out basis leaves a ton of meat on the bone. It must be exhausting for Bill Callahan and Scott Peters to do film sessions with their left tackle. Numerous times on the afternoon, Wills quit early on plays abiding by his internal clock and not by the referee’s whistle.

While he has the prerequisite strength and athleticism to excel at the left tackle position, he continually allows one of the rare elements in his own control to keep rearing its ugly head, a consistent lack of effort.

Now, it’s not all grim for the third-year left tackle. Wills has shown a marked improvement in getting to the second level on run plays and is looking for work when he gets there. His pass-pro technique looks smooth, and he has fully transitioned into becoming a true left tackle from a fluidity standpoint.

But has Wills lived up to where he was drafted and the expectations for his development within the organization? My guess is no. That does not mean that he will not be extended, and I fully expect the team to pick up Wills’ fifth-year option. What happens after that is anyone’s guess.