A couple of years ago, the Las Vegas Raiders took Texas Tech defensive end Tyree Wilson with the seventh overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Wilson had all of the physical tools a team looks for in a pass rusher, but has yet to put it all together in two seasons in the league.
But now, set to enter his third NFL season, Wilson is looking to really turn the corner and make good on his immense potential. Being under a new head coach, Pete Carroll, is certainly helping Wilson’s cause, and he appears to be looking much improved in training camp.
Wilson spoke on this himself recently, believing that he is playing faster than he has been at any point in his career, via Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal:
“I mean, y’all watch the tape, just like I do,” said Wilson, who has eight sacks and 56 tackles in 33 games. “I feel like I’m playing faster, way more fluid than I have been before. And it’s going to continue to get better.”
One reason that Wilson can play faster is that he has a full understanding of his position and what is expected of him. The Raiders’ end is no longer thinking too much, but simply reacting:
“Don’t think, just go and react to whatever shows up in front of you,” Wilson said.
Knowing his assignments has helped Wilson focus more on the details of playing his position. He’s always had physical gifts. Now he’s honing his footwork, vision and hand placement to take his game to the next level.
“It’s more just working on craft now,” Wilson said. “Getting the right technique.”
Wilson has always had the physical tools, but that alone isn’t enough to dominate at the NFL level. Now he is refining those other details, which should help him take a real leap in his third season. While he isn’t slated as a starter, he will be a big part of the Raiders’ defensive line rotation across multiple different positions and can make a significant impact for this team.
Raiders considered ‘frontrunners’ to trade for Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson
The Raiders’ defensive line is still considered a positional group that could use some improvement, but a big-name player is available who could change the game should he be acquired. Cincinnati Bengals star defensive end Trey Hendrickson is on the trade block as the two sides have been unable to come to terms on an extension, and the Raiders are reportedly the ‘frontrunners’ to land him.
