Dissecting The Jedrick Wills Dilemma
[Phil Masturzo/ Beacon Journal] Browns 8 3 15
Coming into the season, most of the media raved about the Browns’ offensive line. Unfortunately, it became quickly clear that one of the highest-paid groups in the league was not living up to their reputation.
The gigantic elephant in the offensive line room has been Jedrick Wills’ performance. His transition from right to left tackle is, at best, still a work in progress. Through four games, Wills has posted a 45.4 overall PFF grade, with a 44.0 run blocking grade and a 53.8 pass blocking grade, all career lows.
From the outside looking in, it would seem that Wills has all the tools. Yet a deeper dive shows some obvious flaws to his game and approach that must be corrected if he has any chance to eliminate the below average play and salvage his career.
There are some good things to lean on. For a man of his size, Wills uses his incredible athleticism to excel at positioning. Blessed with extremely quick feet, he uses stellar foot work to stay in front of spinning defensive ends in pass protection and is able to cut off backside three techniques on run plays away from his side.
Additionally his intellect must not be overlooked. Wills is very assignment sound and usually knows exactly where to be and who to block, even during line twists and exotic blitzes.
Where the trouble starts is when his technique fails. Even if you have fast feet, understand the assignment, and can get to the correct position, hand placement, punch and moving your defender are required to sufficiently deal with NFL defensive ends.
Too many times Wills gets driven into the quarterback’s lap by a bull rush. It’s purely a lack of a solid punch at the point of engagement. He often gets caught lunging on a jump set during pass protection and is beaten inside. He doesn’t post his inside leg strong enough to push defenders past the quarterback allowing them to break down his inside arm way too easily on their way to the quarterback.
At 6’4 307 pounds, Wills has the size to be an outstanding run blocker, but he rarely gets movement on his defender. Even on run plays his way, he tries to finesse defenders versus driving them out of the hole. Clearly that’s easier said than done, but it’s a requirement at this level
Additionally, motor has seemingly always been an issue for Wills in Cleveland. He has a quiet demeanor, which is fine. But he lacks that mean streak that offensive lineman who excel at this level possess. Does he need to resemble All Pro Wyatt Teller? Of course not. Not many do. Yet the passive approach leaves much to be desired.
He’s at his worst when the effort dips. The strip sack he gave up to Alex Highsmith in the loss to the Steelers was an infuriating example.
.@Alex_Kozora and I talked on the podcast this week about how Alex Highsmith has had great success vs Jedrick Wills in past games. Here he just easily gets edge after looking like maybe wanted to ghost. Look at the gate open quick. Sach/strip/Watt profit. ☕️🐸#Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/kByTJ0N1HN
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) September 19, 2023
It’s bad enough he got embarrassed on the play and barely laid a hand on Highsmith, but to then completely give up on the play and start walking before the whistle is unacceptable. That lack of fight isn’t something Browns fans can stomach, especially when your play is struggling.
With his 5th year option already picked up, what can be done?
I personally think Wills is a better right tackle, which is the position he played his entire football life at until being drafted by the Browns. But with injured Jack Conklin and 2023 4th round pick Dawand Jones firmly entrenched at the position that’s not going to be a reasonable option.
Even if you thought a move to guard would help, who are you going to replace in the Browns outstanding interior line?
According to Brad Stainbrook of the Orange and Brown Report, the Browns are expected to gauge the trade market for an experienced offensive lineman.
If the team wanted to get creative and truly commit to their all-in approach, Garett Bolles appears to be the most realistic option. It would certainly take a few assets via trade to receive the tackle from the Denver Broncos, but there is no doubt that the Broncos are already turning towards the 2024 season after their horrendous start.
The Browns, who are already low on assets from the Watson trade, might be hesitant to part with any more draft picks, but if they are serious about winning in 2023 Bolles is a strong option.
Ultimately the team might have no way other than forward with Wills. And zebras rarely change their stripes. But if Wills decides to fight for his job, in theory he stands a chance. The tools are clearly there. Fortunately for the ridiculed former first round pick, even though the Browns faithful have given up on him his head coach hasn’t.
“When you’re playing tackle in this league, you’re going to have some moments where the other side gets you,” Kevin Stefanski said after the Baltimore game. “There are some good rushers, as we all know, but he’s going to continue to battle and I think continue to get better.”
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