There are two positions that will be in contention for the Chargers’ first-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft — quarterback and offensive tackle.
On one hand, you have uncertainty with the future of Philip Rivers, leaving the team needing to find his potential replacement. On the other hand, you have a line that’s been hit with injuries and has struggled with consistency for years.
This year’s offensive tackle class is loaded with talent, but there are a select few at the top that could really draw the attention of Los Angeles.
One of the prospects is Alabama’s Jedrick Wills.
Pro Football Focus released their latest mock draft and felt that Wills and the Bolts would be the perfect matchmake with the No. 10 overall selection in the 2020 NFL draft.
Back-to-back Alabama offensive tackles in the top-10 and they’re both that good. The last time the Chargers drafted an Alabama right tackle, it didn’t work out so well, but Wills is a different breed from D.J. Fluker. At 6-5, 320 pounds, Wills is far more explosive than he is a brute in the run game. It’s a big reason why he earned a freaky 91.4 run-blocking grade this year.
By no surprise, Wills has been on our radar this season. He was included in our Scouting Notebook in Week 11.
Wills isn’t technically refined as Leatherwood in the pass protection department, but he is a strong, physical tackle who is an adept run blocker and has the tools to be a well-rounded NFL offensive tackle with more nuance in his footwork.
For Chargers fans, it’s easy to see an offensive tackle from Alabama and be swayed away because they have a clear memory of how D.J. Fluker panned out for him. But Wills is far more superior than Fluker coming out of college.
The best way to describe Wills is a “people mover”. Even though he’s stronger in the run blocking department, he’s got the wide base and length to keep defenders at bay in pass protection.
Whether it’s blocking for Rivers, Tyrod Taylor or the quarterback of the future, Wills would be plug-and-play right tackle for Los Angeles.
