Alabama's Jedrick Wills is the Perfect Browns First-Round Pick to Protect Baker Mayfield

Even though the Cleveland Browns have a plethora of offensive weapons at Baker Mayfield’s disposal, their offensive line struggled greatly last year, leading to what was ultimately a disappointing season that didn't deliver on the hype.

After some encouraging improvement in 2018, the Browns’ o-line took a huge step back in 2019. Pro Football Focus ranked the Browns 23rd in the league up front after impressively ranking second the year before. They declined at every position, which lead to a problematic season that left fans pining for the days of Joe Thomas.

In free agency, the Browns already added for Titan right tackle Jack Conklin to shore up the ranks. Conklin had a 77.9 PFF Grade along with only giving up four sacks protecting Ryan Tannehill. This addition is important, but the Browns need more help. To do this, they will need to turn to the draft, and Alabama's Jedrick Wills needs to be their guy.

The Browns own the 10th pick of this year’s draft and there will be a number of intriguing prospects there for the taking, but Wills, a left tackle, has all the tools to be an impact player from the jump. His technique is second to none; as his NFL.com scouting report reads: “Wills is one of the most impressive tackles in the draft; he has basketball-caliber foot quickness and the quick hands of a boxer, and all of it is wrapped in a stout, powerful package." The report goes on to compare Wills to Eagles All-Pro Jason Peters.

And that's exactly what Baker Mayfield ought to be dreaming about every night.

The pro-ready tackle will instantly help the Browns move back in the right direction. A stout offensive line is key for the Browns, as their No. 1 priority is to protect Baker Mayfield and get his confidence back up. The former Heisman winner will need a vast improvement up front if a bounce-back season is in store; otherwise, the rigors of the AFC North could once again prove to be too much.