Jedrick Wills

Offensive tackle, Alabama Crimson Tide
6-4, 312
40 time: 5.05

OVERVIEW

A 29-game starter at right tackle, Wills is still just a pup, as he won’t turn 21 until after the draft (May 17). With a left-hander in Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback, he was charged with blind-side protection and allowed just one sack and 3 1/2 QB hurries as a senior.

Wills was excellent at the NFL Scouting Combine, tying for sixth among all offensive linemen in the 40-yard dash (5.05) and taking second in the vertical jump (34 1/2 inches).

ANALYSIS

Wills is a well-built people-mover with sledgehammers for hands. Much more athletic than his stocky, almost guard-like, frame would suggest, showing impressive functional quickness and balance to protect the edge against speed rushers. Plays with excellent knee bend and possesses the ballast to plant his legs and anchor against bull rushers. Well-schooled in his footwork with short, choppy steps in pass protection to remain balanced, sliding laterally and catching hold of defenders with his hands. Technically sound with his hands low at the snap. His punch would make Mike Tyson proud, able to stagger opponents and knock some to the turf for highlight-reel blocks. His grip strength is just as impressive, latching on and rag-dolling 300-plus-pound opponents. Climbs quickly to the second level, opening his gait and covering ground efficiently. Already shows graduate-level anticipation when locating and eliminating linebackers at the second level, as well as when switching off combo blocks or reacting to surprise blitzes.

Wills lacks the elite height scouts would prefer at right offensive tackle — though his arms measured longer (34 1/4 inches) than expected — and has no starting experience at any other position. Can get himself in trouble when winding up his hands, a tell that veteran NFL defensive ends will catch onto. Occasionally gets off-balance with his violent punches, leaving himself vulnerable to counters and swims.

PRO COMPARISON

Morgan Moses, Washington Redskins — Finding a clean comparison for Wills is difficult, as he boasts a rare combination of power, functional quickness and technique with a somewhat stubby frame. Though Moses is slightly taller at 6-6, 330 pounds, he plays with a similar bullying style and has proven a rock at right tackle for Washington since his second season in the NFL, starting 80 consecutive games.

Projection: First Round

—Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)