Raiders Biggest X-Factor on Defense: Tyree Wilson

The Las Vegas Raiders season is right around the corner. The offense should be in good shape, as they have numerous contributors. However, it’s the defense that will have all our eyes on. It has its question marks when it comes to the linebacker position and the secondary. Identifying an X-Factor is tough, but the one player that comes to mind is defensive end Tyree Wilson.

Raiders Need Wilson to be a Difference Maker

This feels like Clelin Ferrell all over again. Ferrell was a standout at Clemson University as a pass rusher and the Raiders desperately needed to add in that regard. That never was able to translate to the Raiders by any means, as Ferrell had 10 sacks in four years. Nowhere near the 27 he had at Clemson and the 11.5 he had in his final season.

The recipe did continue for the Raiders, as they once again drafted a defensive end hoping to bolster the pass rush. His name is Tyree Wilson. Wilson was a good pass rusher in college, but has yet to be a difference maker on the Raiders front lines. This is finally the year for him to be an x-factor and the opportunity is right in front of him. Given the state of the defensive line, he has no reason to not seize it.

Wilson has just eight sacks and 32 total tackles in his two years with the team. Rushing the pass has not been his strong suit, but he has improved and has been good in the run game. Yep, sounds just like Ferrell. But with the absence of Christian Wilkins, it has opened the door for him to grow into a role. Needless to say, he is in line for a breakout year and to be an x-factor.

Wilson Turning Heads at Raiders Camp

Things have looked good Wilson at training camp this season. It has gotten the attention of head coach Pete Carroll. Carroll thinks he has looked sharp and the nice part is that Wilson is excelling in his role.

On the depth chart he is slotted behind Maxx Crosby. Crosby has a motor that doesn’t stop and if that’s the case Wilson will never see the field. However, that’s not been the case. The Raiders have utilized Wilson and have been putting him all over the defensive line. Whether he is on the outside or inside, he is performing and executing his assignments. It is something he has touched on. 

“I mean, y’all watch the tape, just like I do,” Wilson said. “I feel like I’m playing faster, way more fluid than I have been before. And it’s going to continue to get better.”

That’s a sign of encouragement for Wilson and for the fans to hear. Furthermore, he is not overthinking anything and has just been full throttle once he gets to the line. The Raiders have plenty of players fighting for spots, but it seems the Raiders are putting Wilson in position to succeed.

“We’ve called on him in a number of ways to keep going, keep pushing,” Carroll said. “We’re really trying to make sure that we put him in the right spots that take advantage of his skills and his comfort so that he can play at his best.”

Wilson has been thriving in camp and in preseason and has been sharp in practice. A big year awaits, which would be a blessing for the Raiders and the defensive line.