Tyree Wilson shut his critics down Sunday, as well as the Vikings offense. The Vikings were able to squeak out three points against the Silver and Black, and Wilson played a role in that success. It was unfortunate that the Las Vegas Raiders offense could not even produce three points. Regardless of the offense’s ineptitude on Sunday, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham got the best out of his unit.
Maxx Crosby led the way with his unrelenting ferocity—two sacks, four QB hits, and a plethora of pressures. Wilson logged a sack, a QB hit, and a TFL (tackle for a loss), along with three solo tackles. Pro Football Focus recorded that Wilson achieved a career-high of four pressures. The young rookie defensive end finally made his fanbase hopeful about his future in Las Vegas.
The Tape For Tyree Wilson Is Finally Good
The weekly analysis of the Tyree Wilson tape has been defined by one consistent word: repetitive. This week, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham placed Wilson up and down the defensive line as a DT, DE, and even NT, and it paid off (five total sacks with 11 QB hits). The rookie was a real problem for the Vikings offensive line, and Wilson’s main physical advantages—his length and his power—were utilized properly and effectively.
On Wilson’s single sack of the game, he lined up as a DT alongside Crosby on the outside shoulder of the right guard (3 tech), set to attack the B gap of the line. Wilson’s get-off is noticeably quicker, and he uses his power to push the guard backwards towards Dobbs. Linebacker Robert Spillane blitzes up the middle of the offensive line unblocked, and the guard switches his attention to him. As the guard shifts his hips towards Spillane, Wilson, using his extreme length, grabs ahold of Dobbs with one arm, then secures his grip on the quarterback with both hands and brings him down for the sack.
No. 9 lined up in every literal position on the defensive line…
The team drafted Wilson because of his versatility, in addition to his physical traits. If Wilson refines and expands his technique, his versatility will make him an even more useful weapon. In the Vikings game, he disengages off his blockers better, improves his vision and awareness (even noted in his Week 13 tape), and becomes more involved against the run.
Not all the tape was favorable against bigger blockers. Christian Darrisaw completely neutralized Wilson during one rep as he faced off against the left tackle. Wilson’s strength and power were ineffective in moving Darrisaw, prompting an evolution in his pass rush moves. Darrisaw is a top-5 left tackle in the NFL, but the Raiders first-round rookie had at least two winning reps against Darrisaw, one of which resulted in one pressure. Why was Wilson able to beat Darrisaw on those two reps? He incorporated a swipe move instead of relying solely on his bull rush, and he blew right by Darrisaw.
Wilson possesses the necessary physical attributes, and this tape demonstrated that with further development of his skill set, he has the potential to be a dominant force.
Can The Raiders Rookie Repeat His Performance?
With the Raiders falling to a 5-8 record, the buzz around Raider Nation is to focus on the draft. While playoffs are almost completely out of reach, that does not mean every single player should still look to improve on their play each week. Tyree Wilson is not immune from that statement. Every single positive snap will lean favorably toward his development. Wilson has another solid opportunity in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers to be disruptive.
Isn’t that exciting? Tyree Wilson was disruptive in Week 14. The potential is there.
Wilson potentially faces a variety of opponents against the Chargers as he lined up as both a defensive end and defensive tackle in Week 14. The Chargers offensive line is in trouble for multiple reasons. They’re dealing with some injuries, and they won’t be protecting Justin Herbert this week. With Herbert out for the season due to a finger fracture, the Chargers will start QB Easton Stick. Stick is less evasive than Herbert and does not get the ball out nearly as quickly or efficiently. When the Raiders played the Vikings, Josh Dobbs was also not getting the ball out quick enough, and he paid the price.
Moving Wilson Proved To Be Genius
One of the best positions on the defensive line for Wilson has been placing him next to Crosby on the right side as a defensive tackle. That move is hard to argue against, as Crosby usually occupies both the tackle and the guard. By contrast, Wilson normally commands a single blocker. Wilson found success in that position both in Week 12 and Week 14. If the Raiders do that again in Week 15, Wilson would likely find himself opposite right guard Jamaree Salyer. If Salyer plays despite his injury, it is crucial to note that he has allowed six sacks, tying him for first place (according to PFF).
Wilson is going to be an important piece for the 2024 Las Vegas Raiders. Getting his fourth or possibly fifth career sack in Week 15 would be extremely beneficial to both himself and the team.
*Top Photo: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
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