Lack of NFL free agency interest in former Alabama star confirms worst suspicions from critics

Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide program was known to produce reliable, hard-working, pro-ready players throughout his tenure. It wasn’t often that one of his prospects got to the NFL, and they simply lacked the discipline and personality needed to succeed at the next level. Some prospects never worked out, but Jedrick Wills Jr.’s journey has been unique to him.

The former 10th overall prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft was viewed as someone who didn’t have a high upside due to his lack of elite athleticism, but he was pro-ready with good technique. The Cleveland Browns relied on Wills’ ability to play at a quality level right away as they selected him over Tristan Wirfs.

That decision ended up horrible. While Wirfs has blossomed into an All-Pro, Wills has seen his career flatline after two decent seasons. In fact, Wills has gotten considerably worse since his first two NFL campaigns, seeing a decrease in pass-blocking efficiency, penalties committed, and run-block grades.

Compounding the issue of poor advanced metrics and suffering season-ending injuries in 2023 and 2024 was Wills’ on-field effort. His body language was routinely awful as he allowed defenders blow by him, erasing any goodwill that fans and coaches might’ve had if he was playing through the whistle and just struggling with performance.

Fans and coaches can forgive a lot, including illegal off-field transgressions, but bad effort and football character is a death knell to a career.

Wills made the shocking statement that he made a “business decision” in November when he decided to sit out a game with a knee injury. He was benched for that and never returned to the field for Cleveland.

Turning 26 this offseason, Wills should’ve been one of the blockers netting over $70 million in a new contract. He had the athleticism, pedigree, and initial effectiveness of being at least an average left tackle in the NFL.

But the once-elite right tackle for the Tide hasn’t been getting action from NFL teams thus far, even as backup blockers get upwards of $10 million per year.

Wills was very good in his two-plus years as a starter. He allowed only one sack and 26 pressures in 930 career pass-blocking snaps.