Needing to desperately acquire a pass-rushing boost this offseason, general manager Dave Zeigler did exactly that. Arguably the best defensive talent available, when it was time for the Las Vegas Raiders to make their first selection during April’s NFL Draft, Tyree Wilson was the pick. Finally, the offseason conjecture had ended. Despite unable to participate in OTAs as he heals from injury, his presence is already felt. More importantly, Wilson will have no shortage of tutelage with Chandler Jones, Maxx Crosby, and Co. all grooming him.
These aren’t the 2019 Oakland Raiders…
While Jones is just in his second year with the Raiders, Crosby can certainly speak to the lack of culture or guidance that he might’ve experienced. No. 98 has publicly stated that then-defensive line coach Rod Marinelli was instrumental in his rookie year and still consults with him regularly. However, Crosby was part of a relatively young defensive line with the likes of Arden Key, Clelin Ferrell, and Maurice Hurst as his teammates.
Coaching is essential, but so is having established, veteran leaders play next to or in front of you. Jones pointed out how crucial that is in a player’s development early on when speaking to the media this week.
“Where I am now as a player, it’s my job to grab guys like Tyree [Wilson] and Adam Plant, another guy you might not have heard of. These guys are young, and they have such a high ceiling. They can go so far. I was just saying this the other day: I wish I had when I was a young player. I had Vince Wilfork, but he wasn’t much of a pass rusher. But I wish I had a Maxx Crosby or a Chandler Jones in my room as a rookie. It’s our job as players to pass that down, and the things that we can share with these guys—we’re just excited for these players for sure.”
Tyree Wilson is coming into the perfect situation with the Raiders as far as his position…
Another thing that Wilson has going for him is his size. Well, duh. Unsurprisingly, Jones had the same reaction when he was asked about the Raiders’ rookie being “physically imposing.”
“Yeah. I mean, looking at him, I’m excited to have him on the team, that’s all. He’s going to be good for us.”
Light-hearted humor aside, the fact is that Wilson is drawing comparisons to another player who wreaked havoc from the outset: Aldon Smith. Off-the-field issues aside, no one can deny the impact Smith had; had it not been for those troubles, we’d be talking about one of the greatest ever, arguably. Wilson, for his part, is in a perfect situation at the moment. Jones will likely be the starter unless Wilson takes over during training camp, but being surrounded by quality depth will aid his development. At the same time, expectations will be high for Wilson from the outset.
In terms of dealing with pressures such as media attention or other distractions, Wilson once again can count on his teammates. Naturally, with professionals such as Crosby (who’s overcome his own demons), and Jones, Wilson’s in good hands.
*Top Photo: USA Today/Getty