Photo credit: Las Vegas Raiders
It was no doubt a rough start for Raiders 2023 first round draft pick (7th Overall) Rookie defensive end Tyree Wilson. In his first NFL game, he totaled just one tackle and one assisted tackle against the Broncos. It’s definitely worth noting that he did miss 80% of training camp, which isn’t easy for a rookie getting thrown in the fire of the NFL coming off an injury and almost zero practice to prepare and get acclimated. Before week one against the Broncos, he had barely practiced with the team and on top of that only played a few snaps in the final preseason game. However, no excuses from him, in an exclusive mini interview with Raiders insider reporter Hondo Carpenter yesterday on his YouTube Podcast. Hondo asked about where he was currently health wise, and Wilson responded he believes he’s now 100% healthy.
Wilson gives no excuses on slow start
Hondo then proceeded to ask if it’s a muscle memory thing and needing to get back into game shape, Tyree responded saying “No, it’s not. Just come to practice everyday and practice on my get off and everything else that’s in front of me.” Basically saying he’s healthy, in game shape, and just needs to improve every week.
I believe Tyree has all the tools to succeed, and I also believe that once he gets up to speed and more experience, he will be a very solid player, and one quarterbacks’ will fear playing against.
Time will tell whether Tyree Wilson will improve and make an impact, but not all stars blossom immediately either. One game doesn’t define the player, especially in this situation, but he needs to consistently improve this year and find ways to help make an impact on this Raiders’ defense every single week, and it needs to start in Buffalo on Sunday, so he can both gain some confidence and also take some pressure off of himself as well.
