Jedrick Wills Jr. Bio
Jedrick Wills Jr. (born May 17, 1999) is an American professional football offensive tackle who currently plays for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the first round with the tenth overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. Known for his size, strength, and technical skill at the tackle position, Wills has built a professional career spanning multiple seasons with consistent playing time and notable achievements at both the collegiate and professional levels.
Early Life and Background
Jedrick Wills Jr. was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, where he attended Lafayette High School. During his high school career, Wills established himself as an elite offensive lineman, earning first-team All-State honors from the Associated Press in both his junior and senior seasons. His outstanding performance also earned him an invitation to play in the prestigious Under Armour All-America Game, showcasing his talents against other top prospects from across the country.
Wills was rated as the top college prospect in the state of Kentucky, attracting attention from major collegiate programs nationwide. He ultimately chose to continue his football career at the University of Alabama, selecting the Crimson Tide over offers from Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee, and Notre Dame. This decision placed him in one of college football’s most successful programs.
Path to American Football
Wills joined the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2017 and immediately contributed as a true freshman, appearing in 11 games with one start. That start came in a game against Ole Miss when Alabama opened with a six-lineman formation. His performance and potential prompted the coaching staff to name him the starter at right tackle heading into his sophomore season, a role that would define his college career.
During his sophomore season, Wills started all 15 games for the Crimson Tide and earned Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week honors for his performance against Missouri. His consistent dominance continued into his junior season, where he was named a first-team midseason All-American by the Associated Press. At season’s end, he received first-team All-SEC recognition and was a consensus second-team All-America selection after starting every game while missing just seven total blocking assignments across 771 total snaps played. Following his standout junior season, Wills announced in January 2020 that he would forgo his senior year to enter the NFL Draft.
Professional Career
College Years and Draft (2017–2020)
Wills’ three seasons at Alabama established him as one of the most consistent and technically sound offensive linemen in college football. His rapid development from a rotation player as a freshman to a dominant starter by his junior year demonstrated his work ethic and football intelligence. His performance against top-tier SEC competition prepared him exceptionally well for the professional ranks.
Cleveland Browns Breakthrough (2020)
The Cleveland Browns selected Wills with the tenth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, fulfilling his dream of becoming a professional football player. Wills made his NFL debut in the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens, though he departed the game with a minor shin injury before returning to action. He quickly established himself as a reliable starter at right tackle for the Browns offense.
During Week 10 of the 2020 season, Wills earned Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week honors for his blocking performance against the Houston Texans, helping the Browns offense gain 231 rushing yards and a touchdown. He became the first offensive lineman to win this award since 2013, a significant achievement highlighting his immediate impact at the professional level. Wills was placed on the reserve COVID-19 list on December 24, 2020, and activated two days later. His strong rookie season concluded with his selection to the PFWA All-Rookie Team, validating his first-round selection.
Cleveland Browns Era (2021–2024)
Wills continued as a starting offensive tackle for the Browns through the 2021 and 2022 seasons, providing consistency and reliability along the offensive line. On May 2, 2023, the Browns picked up the fifth-year option on his contract, securing his services through the 2024 season. The 2023 season brought challenges when Wills suffered an MCL injury in Week 9 and was placed on injured reserve on November 7, ending his season prematurely.
Wills returned for the 2024 season but continued to battle injury concerns, appearing in only five games. Following the 2024 season, Wills became a free agent and did not sign with a team during the 2025 season. He later explained that his extended rehabilitation was designed to fully heal an alignment issue with his knee ligaments, prioritizing long-term health over an immediate return.
Chicago Bears Era (2026–Present)
On March 12, 2026, Wills signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears, joining their offensive line as the team sought to rebuild its roster. This move represented a fresh start for Wills as he aimed to return to full health and resume his NFL career with a new organization.
Playing Style and Strengths
Wills combines size, strength, and technical skill as an offensive tackle. At 6 feet 4 inches and 307 pounds, he possesses the physical profile to handle powerful defensive ends and linebackers at the professional level. His college performance showcased exceptional consistency, with his ability to maintain blocks throughout plays standing out to NFL scouts. Wills demonstrates the footwork and hand placement needed to succeed at the professional level, along with the football intelligence to read defensive schemes and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage.
Notable Events and Milestones
Wills’ career includes several significant achievements. His national championship with Alabama in 2017 demonstrated his ability to perform on the biggest stage. His tenth-overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft represented a childhood dream realized. During his rookie season, his Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week award broke a seven-year drought for offensive linemen earning the honor. His PFWA All-Rookie Team selection validated his first-round talent and immediate professional readiness.
Career Statistics
Through the 2025 season, Wills appeared in 58 games with 57 starts across his professional career, demonstrating the durability and consistency he brought to every offensive line he joined.
| Team | Games Played | Games Started |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Browns | 58 | 57 |
Family
Family Background
Jedrick Wills Jr. grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, where he attended Lafayette High School. No additional verified information regarding his family background is publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
Jedrick Wills Jr. did not sign with any NFL team during the 2025 season. This decision followed two seasons shortened by injury, including a 2024 campaign where he appeared in only five games due to ongoing knee issues. Wills opted to dedicate the 2025 season to full rehabilitation of a knee ligament alignment problem that had plagued him since 2023. Rather than returning prematurely, he chose to allow sufficient time for complete healing, prioritizing his long-term football career and overall health.
This extended rehabilitation reflected a mature approach to managing his physical well-being. Wills understood that rushing back could risk further injury and potentially shorten his professional career. The decision also provided clarity for teams evaluating his services beyond 2025, as full health would demonstrate his ability to return to the form that earned him first-round status and All-Rookie honors.