Raiders rookie Tyree Wilson did not get off to the hottest start in Week 1 against the Broncos. Thankfully, the Raiders came out on top in Denver, but they were not so fortunate in Buffalo. Individually, Wilson did not fare much better in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills.
Wilson’s lack of impact on defense against Denver was acceptable; it was his first game, and the Raiders won. Now, after a 28-point loss to the Bills, the rookie’s lack of playmaking ability is under the microscope.
The Las Vegas Raiders need more from Tyree Wilson
If you watched the Raiders play the Bills, it would be safe to conclude quarterback Josh Allen looked very comfortable. The reason is he faced minimal pressure from the Raiders’ defensive line. Las Vegas’ defense as a whole logged two sacks and two quarterback hits. Wilson failed to record a single pressure on 38 snaps.
Against Denver, Wilson came out with one pressure while participated in a single tackling effort. At Buffalo, Wilson logged one TOT and one solo tackle. These statistics do not exactly scream “first-round pick”.
A silver lining
Tyree Wilson’s performance on Sunday wasn’t all bad. On his first snap he appeared to log a pressure despite Pro Football Focus crediting him with zero for the game. Wilson pushed back the left tackle and flushed Allen out of the pocket resulting in a 3 and out.
The Raiders first-rounder appeared to be slightly faster jumping off the line at the snap, especially compared to his slow motion get off we witnessed in Denver.
Another statistic that sheds some positive light on Wilson’s snaps on Sunday was his pass rush win percentage. PFF recorded that Wilson had a 20.3% win rate. Compared to Maxx Crosby’s 15.8% win rate, it is a positive sign indeed. It should be noted, however, Crosby was facing the majority of the double teams and still led the team with four pressures.
Punch it in at home
The Raiders take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in prime time (8:20pm EST) on Sunday. This is Las Vegas’ first home game of the 2023 season, and it will also be Tyree Wilson’s first time playing at Allegiant Stadium. While Raider Nation eagerly awaits the rookie’s first NFL sack, it would be more realistic and exciting for Wilson just to be disruptive.
The Silver and Black are waiting for a return on their first pick investment, especially at a time where Chandler Jones’ shoes need to be filled. The Steelers’ depth chart lists the left tackle as second-year player Dan Moore Jr. It is possible that first-round rookie left tackle, Broderick Jones, rotates with Moore Jr as Wilson’s opposition.
Lets hope for a productive week of practice and the hope that Wilson’s conditioning improves. The Raider from Texas Tech needs to play like a first-round talent for the Raiders in Las Vegas.
*Top Photo: Inside The Red Raiders/247 Sports
