Tyree Wilson’s Prospects After Rookie Season…

Tyree Wilson, a rookie defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, did not have the season that Raider Nation or he had anticipated. Wilson completed his first campaign with 29 total tackles, two for loss, eight quarterback hits, a forced fumble, and three and a half sacks after playing in all 17 games. Pro Football Focus reports that in 2023, he produced a total of 24 pressures. Wilson produced 15 pressures in the final five weeks of the season, even though 24 pressures in total may not seem like a lot. Towards the conclusion of the season, he began to make sense, and it was evident.

Speaking about Wilson’s development during the season, Wilson’s coach Antonio Pierce claimed that Wilson “didn’t have an offseason.” Pierce is correct; Wilson sustained a foot injury near the conclusion of his Texas Tech senior year. Wilson can continue to build on his 2023 success by staying healthy and following an offseason exercise regimen. He will only get better heading into his second season if he works on his game and gets in condition.

Wilson showed he can be a solid run defender in the NFL last season. The pass-rush numbers weren’t where he wanted them to be, but he has the physical tools to beat offensive linemen consistently. Wilson’s biggest knock as a prospect coming into the 2023 NFL Draft was that he was a raw athlete and was not very technically refined. If he wants to build off his rookie season and improve in year two, he must develop a pass-rush move or two.

When Wilson was moved inside and used to pressure the passer on the interior, the Raiders made the most of his rookie season. Malcolm Koonce’s rise to prominence in 2024 raises the possibility that Wilson will still fill that function. Pierce and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham might let him stay in the interior if he continues to be productive there, as he was in the run and pass. Wilson also enjoys the benefit of collaborating with one of the NFL’s top defensive lineman in Maxx Crosby. With the opportunity to learn under renowned defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, he gets the best of both worlds. Two skilled players can teach Wilson how to rush inside and off the edge.