The Las Vegas Raiders have needed defensive talent for quite some time, and they took a big step towards that with their first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. The team used the 7th overall pick to select Tyree Wilson, an edge rusher out of Texas Tech.
Why did Las Vegas Choose Tyree Wilson in the First Round?
Wilson is a physical specimen, standing at 6 foot 6 inches and weighing in at 275 pounds. He possesses an impressive combination of size, speed, and athleticism that made him one of the top defensive prospects in the draft. The Raiders were thrilled to see him still available when their pick came up, and they wasted no time in selecting him.
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Raiders DL Tyree Wilson – Kirby Lee/USA Today
Wilson was a standout player in college, racking up 15.5 sacks, 69 solo tackles, and 29 tackles for loss in three college seasons as a Red Raider, making him a key part of the Texas Tech defense.
Tyree Wilson Can Significantly Improve the Las Vegas Raiders Defense
The Raiders’ defense has been a weak spot for the team in recent years, particularly in the pass rush department. PFN ranked the Raider’s defense 31st in the league. Outside of Maxx Crosby who has been the only shining light on the defensive side of the ball, the Raiders continue to have a mediocre defense showing little to no improvement from season to season. The lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks has been one of many major factors in the team’s struggles to win games.
Wilson has the potential to change that. He is an explosive pass rusher with a quick first step and the ability to get to the quarterback with ease. His strength and power allow him to overpower offensive linemen, and his speed and agility make him a dangerous threat on the edge.
But Wilson’s impact on the team goes beyond just his ability to rush the passer. He is also a strong run defender who can set the edge and disrupt opposing running backs. This will be a key factor in helping the Raiders’ defense improve, as they allowed 123 rushing yards per game in the 2022 NFL season.
The Much-Needed Dynamic Duo of The Raiders
One player who stands to benefit greatly from Wilson’s arrival is Maxx Crosby. Crosby has been the Raiders’ best pass rusher in recent years, but he has often been double-teamed by opposing offensive lines. With Wilson on the opposite side of the defensive line, Crosby will have more opportunities to get to the quarterback one-on-one.
Raiders DE Maxx Crosby (98) – Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review
Crosby has already spoken about his excitement to play alongside Wilson, stating that he believes they can form a dynamic duo on the edge and wreak havoc on opposing offenses. And although the two have not had a chance to practice on the field together due to Wilson’s foot surgery, The two players have already started building a rapport in the meeting room. Crosby even praised Wilson’s mental approach to the game.
Las Vegas Needs to Find a Way to Compete in the AFC West
The Raiders have a lot of work to do to turn their defense around, the addition of Tyree Wilson is no doubt a huge step in the right direction but more needs to be done to build a defense that is able to compete in the AFC West. Head Coach Josh McDaniels seems to be more invested in adding offensive power, adding wide receivers through free agency and in the draft. The team is clearly expecting big things from Wilson who has the potential to be a game-changing player on defense and they believe that he can help the team win games by disrupting opposing offenses and creating turnovers.
It is clear that what the team needs to improve significantly is talent on the defensive side of the ball. The addition of Tyree Wilson not only complements Crosby’s play but moves the Raiders in the right direction. This is why Wilson is considered to be the most impactful addition to the roster.
