Just about everybody agrees that if QB Deshaun Watson doesn’t return to some model of the participant he was for the Houston Texans, the Cleveland Browns 2023 season probably goes up in flames. HC Kevin Stefanski is charged with getting probably the most out of Watson whereas the receiving corps should produce higher than anticipated as effectively.

Defending Watson is also an enormous piece of the puzzle. The cell quarterback has a historical past of extending performs and holding on to the soccer, usually making his offensive line’s job tougher.

For LT Jedrick Wills, Watson’s fashion of play may make it tougher for the tenth general choose within the 2020 NFL draft to dwell as much as expectations. The Browns already picked up his fifth-year choice for 2024 however Wills has been recognized because the workforce’s “make-or-break” participant for 2023:

He’ll undergo a two or three sport stretch of shutting down Professional Bowl move rushers, however then will undergo an equal stretch of wanting unmotivated and unplayable. Whereas he has two extra years left on his contract, 2023 would be the telling yr as as to if or not Wills will likely be within the long-term plans of the Browns. He has all the instruments and expertise on the planet, however it’s as much as him to lock in on a down-to-down foundation.

Wills’ inconsistency is irritating for a wide range of causes together with being chosen simply earlier than Tristan Wirfs, top-of-the-line tackles within the sport, and having top-of-the-line offensive line coaches working with him in Invoice Callahan. Being GM Andrew Berry’s first choose ever as the highest man provides to the strain.

To be truthful, Wills had the robust task of being the primary long-term alternative for Corridor of Famer Joe Thomas and perfection on the offensive line is the one solution to keep beneath the radar.

Wills has been neither excellent nor dominating in his first three seasons within the NFL. Watson is the important thing to the season however his contract means he doesn’t face “make-or-break” standing in 2023. As an alternative, whereas the Browns have picked up his choice in 2024, 2023 may outline Wills’ time in Cleveland and, maybe, his NFL profession.