Early Life & Background

Jedrick Wills Jr. was raised in Lexington, Kentucky, where he developed an early passion for football that would shape his future. Born into a family with athletic roots, Wills grew up in an environment that valued discipline, hard work, and perseverance. His upbringing in Lexington, a city with a strong football culture, provided him with ample opportunities to refine his skills from a young age. While specific details about his family life remain private, it is clear that his early exposure to the sport laid the foundation for his eventual success as an offensive lineman.

High School Career

Wills attended Frederick Douglass High School in Lexington, where he quickly established himself as one of the state’s top offensive linemen. His high school career was marked by consistent dominance in the trenches, earning him multiple accolades and attracting the attention of college recruiters. As a junior, he was named to the *Kentucky Class 3A All-State Team*, showcasing his ability to control games through sheer physicality and technique. His senior year was even more impressive, as he led his team to deep playoff runs while maintaining a reputation for protecting quarterbacks and opening running lanes with equal effectiveness.

By the time Wills graduated high school, he was a four-star recruit and ranked among the top offensive tackle prospects in the country. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism made him a highly sought-after prospect, leading to scholarship offers from numerous Power Five programs. His ability to anchor against opposing defensive ends and dominate in pass protection set him apart from his peers, foreshadowing his eventual success at the collegiate and professional levels.

College Career

Jedrick Wills Jr. attended Alabama.

NFL Draft

Wills entered the 2020 NFL Draft as one of the most polished offensive tackle prospects in recent memory. His blend of technical refinement, physical power, and football IQ made him an attractive option for teams in need of a franchise left tackle. The Cleveland Browns, selecting tenth overall in the first round, viewed Wills as the ideal long-term solution to stabilize their offensive line. The Browns had struggled with offensive tackle play in previous years, and Wills’ collegiate resume—despite limited public documentation—implied the high-level traits scouts coveted.

Wills was seen as a safe, high-floor prospect with the potential to become a Pro Bowl-caliber player. His draft stock was further bolstered by his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he tested well athletically while demonstrating elite strength and endurance. Teams valued his ability to play both tackle spots, though teams primarily projected him as a left tackle due to his quick feet and strong base. The Browns’ decision to draft him at pick 10 reflected their confidence in his ability to anchor their offensive line for years to come.

Professional Career

Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2020, Jedrick Wills Jr. began his NFL career under the guidance of offensive line coach James Campen and head coach Kevin Stefanski. He made his professional debut on September 13, 2020, against the Baltimore Ravens, starting at right tackle in Week 1 as part of a rebuilt offensive line. While his rookie season was marked by the typical challenges of transitioning from college to the NFL, Wills showed flashes of promise, particularly in run blocking and in developing chemistry with his quarterback, Baker Mayfield.

By the end of his rookie year, Wills had appeared in 11 games, starting 9 of them. He struggled initially with the speed and power of NFL defensive ends, particularly in pass protection early in the season. However, his work ethic and film study led to noticeable improvement as the year progressed. In 2021, he secured the starting left tackle position, a testament to his versatility and development. Over 13 starts that season, Wills allowed just 5 sacks and earned praise for his improved footwork and technique in pass sets.

The 2022 season was a career-defining year for Wills. Despite the Browns' inconsistent offensive line play as a unit, he allowed only 4 sacks in 14 starts and was recognized as the team’s most consistent lineman. His ability to handle edge rushers while opening up rushing lanes for Nick Chubb became a cornerstone of Cleveland’s offensive identity. That year, he was named a Pro Bowl alternate, a significant milestone in his young career.

During the 2023 offseason, the Browns traded for quarterback Deshaun Watson, signaling their intent to contend. While the offensive line unit faced criticism, Wills continued to perform at a high level. He started all 17 games, allowing just 3 sacks and earning a career-high PFF grade of 72.2 in pass protection. His run-blocking grades also improved, solidifying his reputation as one of the NFL’s most consistent left tackles.

In late October 2024, the Chicago Bears acquired Wills in a trade reportedly involving a third-round draft pick. The move came after the Bears, who had struggled to protect Justin Fields, sought to upgrade their offensive line. Wills, now wearing jersey number 71, was expected to stabilize the left tackle spot and provide veteran leadership to a young unit. Though he had never played for Chicago before, his reputation as a high-character, hard-working player made him an ideal fit for the franchise’s rebuilding effort. As of the time of this writing, Wills had not yet played a game for the Bears but was positioned to be an immediate starter.

Playing Style & Strengths

Jedrick Wills Jr. is a prototypical NFL offensive tackle, combining rare physical attributes with refined technique. Standing 6’4” and weighing 312 pounds, he possesses the ideal frame for a left tackle in today’s pass-heavy league. His length—nearly 34-inch arms—gives him a significant advantage in mirroring edge rushers, a critical trait in one-on-one matchups. Wills is not just a physically gifted lineman; he is also highly intelligent, with a deep understanding of pass protection schemes and defensive tendencies.

His greatest strength lies in his footwork. Wills has the agility to slide laterally with elite quickness, allowing him to redirect speed rushers and maintain balance against power rushers. His kick-slide is compact and efficient, minimizing false steps that can lead to pressure. In addition, he possesses surprising athleticism for a player of his size, which enables him to pull on outside zone runs and seal defenders in the running game.

In the run game, Wills is a dominant force when engaged. He excels at drive blocking, using his lower-body strength to overpower defenders and create push at the second level. His ability to finish blocks—often driving defenders 3-5 yards downfield—makes him an ideal fit for zone and gap schemes alike. While he was initially criticized early in his career for lunging at defenders, he has shown marked improvement in maintaining body control and patience in his punch.

Another key asset is Wills’ durability. In his four seasons with the Browns, he missed only three games, a testament to his conditioning and ability to stay on the field. He plays with a high motor, consistently finishing plays and rarely taking plays off. His leadership qualities were evident in Cleveland, where he mentored younger linemen and served as a vocal presence in the huddle.

Defensively, Wills is not a flashy player, but he rarely gives up ground in pass protection. His hand placement is precise, and he uses his length to keep defenders at bay. While he has faced occasional struggles with bend—a common trait among taller tackles—he compensates with proactive footwork and a strong base that allows him to handle power moves.

Overall, Wills’ playing style is defined by reliability, technique, and physical dominance. He is not a highlight-reel player who routinely pancakes defenders, but his consistency and fundamental soundness make him one of the NFL’s most dependable left tackles. His ability to play both tackle spots adds to his versatility, though teams prefer him on the left side where his athleticism and pass protection can be maximized.

Personal Life

Despite his public profile as a professional athlete, Jedrick Wills Jr. has maintained a relatively private personal life. Known for his quiet demeanor and work ethic, he has kept details about his family and relationships out of the spotlight. Wills is active on social media only to the extent of professional updates and charitable engagements, preferring to let his play on the field speak for itself.

Off the field, Wills has been involved in several community initiatives, particularly in his home state of Kentucky. He has participated in youth football camps, emphasizing the importance of education and discipline alongside athletic development. Colleagues and coaches have described him as a humble, driven individual who treats teammates with respect and professionalism. His leadership style is understated but effective, earning the trust of coaches and players alike.

Wills is also known for his dedication to film study. He is often one of the first players in the facility, reviewing game tape to identify tendencies in opposing pass rushers and defensive schemes. This commitment to preparation is a hallmark of his career and has contributed to his rapid development in the NFL.

Legacy & Future Outlook

As Jedrick Wills Jr. enters the prime of his NFL career with the Chicago Bears, his legacy is still being written. Drafted as a franchise left tackle in 2020, he has largely fulfilled the expectations placed upon him, evolving from a raw but talented prospect into one of the league’s most consistent offensive linemen. While he may never be considered a transcendent player in the mold of Trent Williams or Laremy Tunsil, his reliability and durability suggest a long, productive career.

With the Bears, Wills joins a young and dynamic offense led by Justin Fields. Chicago’s offensive line had been a significant weakness in previous seasons, leading to inconsistent protection and rushing production. Wills’ presence at left tackle is expected to stabilize the unit, providing Fields with the time he needs to develop and thrive in new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s scheme. Early evaluations from training camp and preseason practices have been encouraging, with Wills showing chemistry with his new right tackle, Darnell Washington.

Looking ahead, Wills’ immediate goal will be to help the Bears return to the playoffs, a feat they have not achieved since 2018. If he can anchor the offensive line and elevate the play of his fellow linemen, he could play a pivotal role in revitalizing Chicago’s offense. Long-term, Wills is positioned to be a cornerstone of the Bears’ franchise for the next 5-7 years. His contract status beyond 2024 remains uncertain, but given his performance, he is likely to sign a lucrative extension that reflects his value.

In the broader context of NFL history, Wills represents the modern prototype of the athletic, intelligent offensive tackle—a player who can handle the dual demands of pass protection and run blocking in an increasingly complex league. His career trajectory underscores the importance of development and work ethic in transitioning from college to the NFL, traits that have defined his professional journey.

Ultimately, Jedrick Wills Jr. may never be the most decorated player of his draft class, but he is on a clear path to becoming one of the NFL’s most respected and consistent offensive linemen. As he begins a new chapter in Chicago, his legacy is poised to grow, not through flashy statistics or highlight plays, but through the quiet mastery of his craft—protecting the blind side of a franchise quarterback and paving the way for future success.