Grading the Cleveland Browns 2020 draft class at the mid-year point
By Chad Porto
Jedrick Wills OT (10th Overall)
Jedrick Wills is an average NFL Offensive lineman and should get a C for his play. Should. The reason why he isn’t is two-fold, and it both involves his position in the draft.
The first has to do with the fact that he’s the 10th overall pick, and was just the second offensive lineman taken that high. Only Andrew Thomas was taken higher. Due to that, there is more pressure on him to succeed. He’s too valuable of a pick to be average.
The second reason why he’s being more harshly graded is the fact that the best offensive tackle, Tristan Wirfs, was taken three spots later and has been one of the elite players in the league at the position.
We’re doubling down even more by the fact that another tackle they could’ve had, in the second round, is Ezra Cleveland. The tackle is now playing guard for the Vikings, and he’s been outplaying Wills as well. In fact, he’s one of the better run-blocking guards in the league. Imagine having him in the Browns’ offense next to Joel Bitono or Wyatt Teller.
The running game would be so much better and it’s already a Top 2 in the league.
I said after his rookie year and I’ll say it again, Wills can have a 10-year career in the NFL, but knowing he was a wasted pick will always be his legacy.