Assessing Redskins first-round options: Alabama OT Jedrick Wills

Should the Redskins draft Jedrick Wills?

If Williams comes back, then nah. Not even a discussion. If Williams doesn’t… it’s still a gray area. We still need to scout a few more offensive tackles, namely Georgia’s Andrew Thomas, Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs, and Louisville’s Mekhi Becton, before we come to a conclusion on who’s the best one. Plus, given the depth of the 2020 OT class, Washington could find better value later on. But with Wills’ combination of traits, you have to at least entertain the idea of picking him at No. 2, or possibly executing a trade back in the top ten to acquire him at a greater value.

Wills’ length, power, and tenacity, combined with his smooth technical movement and clearly defined awareness, creates a rather complete foundation for a starting NFL offensive tackle. Wills’ athletic limitations, while present, are minor, and in the trenches, athleticism is far from the only thing that matters. Wills has the traits to compensate for whatever he might be lacking in lateral agility and fluidity, and those traits bode well for a potential move.

That said, other tackles in the NFL Draft have far more accumulated experience at left tackle, and some may have more athletic freedom of movement. It’s up to the Redskins, if they find themselves in a position where they’re considering tackles at No. 2, to decide what they want in an offensive tackle. If they’re looking for athletic potential, Wills might not be the No. 1 choice. But if they’re looking for a complete offensive tackle profile, or a strong, stalwart force, Wills is a compelling candidate.

I would pay money to see Wills play Chase Young (Well, not necessarily pay; poor college students shouldn’t pay for that). Both match up well with one another. Young has the explosive athleticism and length to take advantage of the minor stiffness seen with Wills, and Wills has the wide, dominant frame to outreach Young, and the strength to neutralize him if he gets his hands where they need to be. Ultimately, both players are top prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft, and just to be in the conversation to add one of them is a plus for the Redskins.