Cleveland Browns left tackle Jedrick Wills is in his prove-it season.
His future with the Browns will be at a crossroads at the end of the 2022 season.
The former Alabama right tackle and first-round draft pick of the Browns in 2020 will soon be vying for either an extension or a fifth-year option.
Should the Browns choose to go the route of his fifth-year option, it would be exercised in Spring 2023.
Wills has had his share of ups and downs through his first two seasons.
He came into the NFL during the height of COVID-19 so his initiation and training camps were not normal until this season.
However, Wills has played better so far in 2022 which is excellent news for Jacoby Brissett and the rest of the Browns’ offense.
How Wills Is Doing
He has been very effective against the pass.
His pass block win rate is 97% according to ESPN analytics.
That ranks as second best in the NFL behind Brian O’Neill of the Minnesota Vikings.
Wills’ technique, footwork, and reflexes now seem to be more in tune with his role as the left tackle.
This suggests that his adjustment from right to left tackle may not have been seamless and took perhaps more time than the Browns expected.
What Changed For Wills
Now that COVID-19 protocols are lifted, the Browns legend, Joe Thomas, spent time with Wills on the field during training camp.
Thomas has always been supportive of Wills, but this summer he actually was able to work with him.
Learning from one of the best ever to do it had to help Wills along with the great coaching he gets on a daily basis from Bill Callahan.
Fans Have Been Critical Of Him
Wills has not been without criticism among Browns fans.
He is viewed as not being as effective against the run; however, some view that as an acceptable trait given his pass protection on the blind side of the quarterback.
Wills has had periods of inconsistent play in prior seasons but has gotten off to a more effective and consistent start in 2022.
Biggest Challenge For Wills Is Staying Healthy
Among the biggest challenges for Wills is staying healthy for a 17-game regular season.
He suffered injuries in the early parts of both the 2020 and 2021 seasons which limited his effectiveness (and his playing time).
Wills played 15 games in his rookie season and 13 last year.
If Wills keeps up his current level of play and stays healthy, the Browns will definitely be inclined to at a minimum exercise the fifth-year option next spring.
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