Nothing flashy or complicated.
Just simple and necessary.
New Browns general manager Andrew Berry stood pat at No. 10 overall and selected University of Alabama offensive tackle Jedrick Wills on Thursday night in the first round of the NFL draft.
The Browns will count on Wills to become their franchise left tackle, something the organization has sorely lacked since 10-time Pro Bowl selection Joe Thomas retired after the 2017 season. Wills will need to transition to left tackle because he played right tackle throughout high school and college, protecting the blindside of left-handed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa at Alabama.
Berry kept all options open heading into the draft _ including a trade for Washington seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams or a move down from No. 10 _ but opted to secure Wills instead of pulling off those deals. The hope is Wills will be able to adequately protect the blindside of quarterback Baker Mayfield for years to come.
