Offensive line depth isn’t at the top of the Detroit Lions’ offseason checklist, but it's something that they should address during NFL free agency.
Detroit’s offensive line depth was tested this past season, and it is safe to say that group did not earn a passing grade after being sacked 38 times, setting a new career-worst for Goff. Those 38 sacks allowed by the Lions' offensive line also marked the most times Goff has been taken down behind the line of scrimmage since he came to Detroit before the 2021 season.
That said, the Lions got an early start on restocking their depth, acquiring versatile offensive Juice Scruggs from the Houston Texans in the David Montgomery trade. Scruggs gives the Lions a backup or potential starting option in the interior offensive line, which is good to have. However, despite that addition, Detroit needs much better depth at tackle, as Giovanni Manu is still a ways away from being the type of player Dan Campbell is ready to depend on week in and week out.
Enter Jedrick Wills as a possible solution. On Thursday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the former Cleveland Browns’ first-round pick is visiting with the Lions. He adds that Wills “has been on a tour of visits with NFL teams,” which also included the New England Patriots.
Jedrick Wills Could Be Potential Lottery Ticket for Lions
The 26-year-old offensive tackle has struggled with injuries, playing in just 13 total games between 2023 and 2024. Willis was limited to only five games in the 2024 season, thanks to a knee injury that forced him to go on injured reserve in November 2023. Even though Wills has been dealt a terrible run of injury luck, there are still reasons to believe he could be useful in Detroit.
Before being plagued by injury, Wills was considered a building block along Cleveland’s offensive line after moving from right tackle in college to left tackle in the pros. In his first three years with the Browns, it was clear Wills was better as a pass blocker than a run blocker.
According to Pro Football Focus, Wills’ pass blocking grades were 77.6, 67.9, and 69.6. But his run blocking left much to be desired, as he had grades of 52.8, 61.7, and 55.3. His flaws blocking on rushing attempts were not the only issue Wills faced in Cleveland, though. He also struggled with penalties, racking up 25 over those three years.
Having said all of that, if he’s healthy, the Lions should not dismiss the idea of signing Wills. As previously mentioned, Manu is still a long way from being an adequate starting lineman, let alone a backup. Detroit's coaching staff and fan base saw that for themselves with Manu's performance during the regular season.
With Wills in the fold, hypothetically speaking, it would give Detroit someone that they can almost rebuild and get him back on track. Think of it like the Philadelphia Eagles taking a chance on Mekhi Becton in 2024, and we saw how that played out for both sides.
Wills likely won’t cost much, given that he missed all of last season, so a one-year prove-it deal for someone with a first-round pedigree is worth the investment and time. He would be their best backup lineman and possibly the future at left tackle.
After Taylor Decker announced that he would be returning, the Lions don't have to worry about addressing the starting spot at this position during the 2026 offseason. However, 2027 is a different story for the Lions and Decker. Detroit would probably love to have the answer in-house, whether that comes as a free-agent signing like Wills or a draft pick, just in case Decker hangs it up next offseason.
Wills could be someone that you could pair opposite Penei Sewell for years to come. Again, this is all a huge hypothetical, as the lineman will continue to take his visits, and the Lions must continue to evaluate the tackle spot in free agency and the draft.