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After Cleveland’s selection of OT Jedrick Wills at No. 10 overall, Browns GM Andrew Berry talked to the media about the pick.
General Assessment
There was an organizational consensus for the Browns to select Wills when he was still on the board. Here is Berry’s introductory assessment of the pick:
#Browns GM Andrew Berry: Incredibly excited to add Jedrick Wills. Last 2 years at Alabama and his makeup, we thought he fit what we needed. Great feet, advanced in pass pro and very physical in the run game. Well-rounded player. Impressed by his organization habits and routine.
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) April 24, 2020
Wills Will Play Left Tackle
Not that there was any doubt, because Jack Conklin was signed to be the right tackle, but Berry confirmed right away that Wills will play left tackle with the Browns. He acknowledged that Wills will have to be physically re-programmed, but he still protected Tua’s blindside for a reason in college: he was trusted. Berry also believes that offensive line coach Bill Calahan has the experience and coaching skills to make the transition a smooth one for Wills:
Andrew Berry confirms Jedrick Wills will play LT in Cleveland. “There's going to be some physical re-programming,” but added Wills has the feet, athletic ability to be a LT (Plus, he protected Tua’s blindside at Bama for a reason, as AB points out).
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) April 24, 2020
Fitting the System
Here is Berry comparing the system that Wills was in in Alabama, and how he is a clean fit for what Cleveland will be running due to his athleticism:
#Browns GM Andrew Berry said we think Jedrick Wills is a clean fit for our system because of his athletic ability, they ran a lot of wide zone at Alabama, physically he's certainly one of the prototypes for our system
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) April 24, 2020
Element of Surprise and Possible Trade Down
Word is that the Browns did not expect Wills to still be on the board when they picked at No. 10 overall. Although they had offers to move down, Wills was definitely a guy they could not pass up on.
#Browns Berry: “I did expect more tackles to come off the board earlier.” Had some chances to move down from 10. Excited to land “Jed”
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) April 24, 2020
What About Trent Williams?
The Browns have been lightly linked to trading for OT Trent Williams for over a year now, but that scenario is officially dead with the selection of Wills. Berry brushed off a question about Williams by praising Wills and getting young talent:
Andrew Berry asked about Trent Williams. Steers it back to Wills: "For us to get a young, very, very talented tackle that can grow with the young core of our roster, we’re very excited to do.” Think that tells you everything you need to know about Cleveland’s approach going in
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) April 24, 2020