With The First Pick
Fansided

Browns: 3 challenges facing Jedrick Wills in rookie season

By Cory Kinnan

UNSPECIFIED LOCATION - APRIL 23: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) In this still image from video provided by the Cleveland Browns, Jedrick Wills Jr. speaks via teleconference after being drafted during the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft on April 23, 2020. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
UNSPECIFIED LOCATION - APRIL 23: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) In this still image from video provided by the Cleveland Browns, Jedrick Wills Jr. speaks via teleconference after being drafted during the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft on April 23, 2020. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 26: Jedrick Wills #OL51 of the Alabama Crimson Tide speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 26, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the first round pick of the Cleveland Browns. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local caption *** Jedrick Wills
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 26: Jedrick Wills #OL51 of the Alabama Crimson Tide speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 26, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the first round pick of the Cleveland Browns. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local caption *** Jedrick Wills /

Jedrick Wills will start day one for the Browns

With the tenth pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected Alabama offensive tackle Jedrick Wills. Ever since the retirement of future first ballot Hall of Famer Joe Thomas, the Browns have struggled to fill the void at left tackle, and as a franchise, have suffered as a result.

First they attempted to replace him with an undrafted rookie in Desmond Harrison. Harrison started the first half of the games in 2018 for the Browns, but was then replaced by former second overall pick Greg Robinson. While Robinson saw success in 2018, he returned to his true form in 2019, struggling to block any incoming pressure from the left side of the line.

Robinson would not have re-signed in Cleveland this offseason anyway, but his career took a turn when he was arrested for attempting to smuggle a van load of marijuana across the Mexican border earlier this year. As Kevin Stefanski takes over the reigns in Cleveland, quarterback Baker Mayfield finally has an improved offensive line.

Not only did they select Wills in the first round, but they landed Washington center Nick Harris in the fifth round, and snagged Jack Conklin in free agency to play right tackle. As Wills prepares for his rookie year, what are the biggest obstacles he will have to overcome to be the heir apparent to Joe Thomas’ throne at left tackle?

Home/Cleveland Browns