The Las Vegas Raiders could have gone in any number of directions with their first-round draft pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. In the end, however, the Raiders chose to take one of the best pass rushers in the class in Texas Tech defensive end Tyree Wilson.
Wilson’s physical traits are unmatched by most defensive linemen, and his ceiling as a pass rusher is arguably the highest in the entire class. The Raiders struggled mightily at getting after the quarterback this past season, and Wilson could be a huge help on that front, especially when teamed up with All-Pro pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
Crosby is one of the most productive, hard-working defensive linemen in the NFL and the Raiders undoubtedly hope that some of that rubs off on Wilson. One player who approves of the pairing is Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey who believes a young talent learning from Crosby is scary:
A young dog to learn from @CrosbyMaxx is SCARY! I like it
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) April 28, 2023
Defensive line was a need for the Raiders whether it is through the pass rush on the end or on the interior. What makes Wilson so intriguing is that while he plays primarily on the end, his size and physical attributes give him the ability to play anywhere across the line, and that versatility could be huge for the Raiders.
But in order to reach that potential, Wilson will have to put in the work, and he has the ideal teacher in Crosby. The Raiders’ defensive leader might not be blessed with the best physical skills, but his motor and toughness are non-stop, and he has every pass-rush move in the book. Wilson learning from someone like that greatly increases his chances of unlocking his massive potential.
Defense is a huge need for the Raiders, and the team knew that going into the draft. Six of the team’s nine draft picks came on that side of the ball and at all three levels. But Wilson is that top pick and the one who will have the most pressure on him to contribute. Crosby was the Raiders’ lone pass rush threat last season, and Wilson has the ability to open up things for everyone.
With the offensive weapons this team has, the Raiders just need their defense to be solid, and their fortunes could change. A dominant defensive line is the best way to wreak havoc on the opposition, and that is the route this franchise is going.
