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The Cleveland Browns hinted at Jedrick Wills becoming their starting left tackle when they selected him in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Wills, who played right tackle at Alabama, had already begun watching film and doing some workouts to begin the transition to the blind side prior to the draft.
Browns offensive line coach Bill Callahan has full confidence Wills can handle the position, saying he can make the switch “easily” because of the athleticism he possesses.
#Browns O-line coach Bill Callahan expects to plug and play Jedrick Wills immediately at left tackle.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) May 14, 2020
Browns OL coach Bill Callahan says Jedrick Wills should be able to make the switch from RT to LT "easily" thanks to his athleticism. #Browns
— Hayden Grove (@H_Grove) May 14, 2020
The Browns have placed a heavy emphasis on upgrading the offensive line this offseason.
Cleveland signed former All-Pro right tackle Jack Conklin prior to drafting Wills, and they also have shown some interest in veteran left tackle Jason Peters.
From NFL Now on @nflnetwork: 38-year-old Jason Peters has recently told friends if Tom Brady can play into his 40s, so can he. The #Eagles have remained in contact with him as other teams (@JamesPalmerTV mentioned the #Browns, #Jets and #Broncos) lurk. pic.twitter.com/cxWq9qGmwI
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) May 12, 2020
However, Callahan's assertion the Browns expect Wills to start might make it less likely they sign Peters in free agency.
Signing Peters would allow Wills to learn behind one of the best offensive tackles in football, Peters has said he wants to play into his 40s, and might demand a multiyear contract. Naturally, this would delay Wills' opportunity to see significant playing time, particularly considering Conklin will lock down the right side.
Callahan and the Browns appear to have full confidence in Wills, though they will need him to get up to speed in a hurry.
Part of the onus for improving the offensive line stems from a desire for a cleaner pocket for quarterback Baker Mayfield, who struggled in his sophomore campaign.
Wills will shoulder a lot of responsibility as he makes the move to left tackle.
