Tyree Wilson, the promising rookie defensive lineman for the Las Vegas Raiders, is preparing for his third NFL season. Coming off the heels of that seventh overall selection in the ’23 draft, he carries lofty expectations this season. Having demonstrated flashes of potential in his first two years, Wilson is now focused on improving his game and securing a more significant role within the team’s defensive rotation.
In his short career, Wilson has demonstrated an incredible durability, playing in all 33 games—including four starts—over his first three years. During this time frame, he’s racked up 8 sacks and 56 tackles. He’s taken 239 defensive tackle snaps so far. As a result, he registered 17 pressures and recorded four sacks in that time span. His play surged in the latter half of 2022. He accumulated 3.5 sacks and 24 pressures in the last eight games after the bye week.
If Wilson’s eye-popping numbers from last season are any indication, she’s headed in a great direction. He ended the season with 4.5 sacks and had a big jump in his pressure rate up to 11.4% which showed how much he’s developed as a player. This upward trend is a good sign for both Wilson and the Raiders. He’s working on getting in better physical shape and learning the nuances of the game as he prepares for his rookie season.
I came back to Washington and sort of stocked up on my post-attack wits. And watched the tape, and I wasn’t where I want to be,” Wilson reflected on his performance after the bye week. His self-awareness has resulted in a great desire to do better. As he readies himself for what he hopes is the biggest year of his career, he’s never been more focused.
Wilson spent spring and summer training to build his strength and physical fight to stay on the field long term. His intention now, he says, is to spend longer on the field. He wants to improve his technique for striking the ball. “I get to work with different guys in different positions and help the rush go and be able to stop the run so we get to that third down,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of versatility in his role.
Wilson’s versatility will prove vital as the Raiders are still trying out different combinations up front with players rotating in at numerous spots on the line. The coaching staff is committed to providing ample opportunities during training camp and preseason games for players like Wilson to prove themselves. Coach Pete Carroll stated, “We’re giving everybody a chance, mix guys with the ones and the twos all the way throughout just to gather a bunch of information.”
Beginning the process to enter a new season, Wilson is aware of how critical these moments can be. As such, the Raiders’ roster decisions will be predicated almost exclusively on what they see in their training camp and three preseason games. Wilson’s continued development will play a pivotal role in determining where he fits into the team’s defensive strategy.
“That rebound rate … I want that consistent,” defensive line coach Rob Leonard mentioned when discussing Wilson’s progress. Leonard has a ton of faith in Wilson’s potential, but he notes that consistency and keeping his emotions in check will be key to his success. I don’t doubt that results will eventually come for him either, but not every rush can be the same. He can’t be emotional,” Leonard added.
After two years of experience, Wilson’s no longer the rookie and he’s able to work with more confidence. He’s eager to make a run at a breakout season. His growth mindset, coupled with focused coaching and a desire to get better makes him an exciting prospect for the future.
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