Improving the defense should be a major focus for the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason and all three levels could use some bolstering overall. The upcoming 2023 NFL Draft is an obvious time for the team to bring in some reinforcements and the seventh overall pick gives the franchise an opportunity to bring in a game-changer.
There have been rumors about which direction the team could go with that pick, but help along the defensive line is undoubtedly a need for this team. The Raiders have been trying to find someone who can line up opposite Maxx Crosby, and there are some excellent potential options in the draft.
Chief among those possibilities is Texas Tech defensive end Tyree Wilson and the top-10 prospect is expected to meet with the Raiders this week according to Albert Breer of The MMQB:
Texas Tech DE Tyree Wilson is doing 30 visits with the Jaguars (today), Cardinals (Wed), Raiders (Thu) and Patriots (Fri) this week. Jags and Pats sit lower than he’ll go, but Wilson loved the idea of getting time with Doug Pederson and Bill Belichick.
(Wilson = a top 10 lock.)
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 11, 2023
Wilson has been a disruptive force for the Red Raiders the last two seasons but was at his best as a senior when he finished with 61 total tackles, seven sacks and 14 tackles for loss while being named a First-Team All-American. He is a true physical presence with a non-stop motor and has shown the ability to line up anywhere along the line, which would give the Raiders some versatility in how they choose to attack.
In a division with both Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, getting to the quarterback is an absolute must otherwise they will simply pick you apart. Last season the Raiders’ 27 sacks ranked 30th in the NFL and nearly half of those came from Crosby alone so getting anyone else who can pressure the QB would do wonders for this defense as a whole.
Wilson is an unbelievable athlete on the line who has shown the ability to play both the run and the pass and is simply an overall disruptive force. He has the attitude and skillset that fits needs for this Raiders team and should he be available at 7, he would seem to be someone the franchise would consider taking. Of course, nothing is for certain with the NFL Draft, but the Raiders must be sure to get this pick right.
