Tyree Wilson, a towering defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, has become a name of intrigue in the NFL since being selected as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. As a former first-round draft pick, Wilson entered the league with high expectations, lauded for his raw athleticism, physical tools, and potential to become a dominant force on the defensive line. However, his journey in the NFL has been a mix of challenges, growth, and flashes of brilliance. 

As of May 2025, fans, analysts, and teams are closely watching Wilson’s development, especially under the new leadership of head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek with the Las Vegas Raiders. This article dives deep into Tyree Wilson’s career, addressing his background, performance, challenges, and what the future holds for this young talent. We’ll also explore what fans are asking about him online and provide the latest insights based on available information.

Early Life and College Career

Tyree Wilson’s journey to the NFL began in Henderson, Texas, where he showcased his athletic prowess at West Rusk High School. Standing at 6’6” and weighing 275 pounds by the time he reached college, Wilson was a multi-sport athlete known for his versatility. During his junior year, he earned second-team all-state honors and first-team all-district recognition, recording 74 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and four sacks. His sophomore season was equally impressive, with 52 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. These performances put him on the radar of major college programs, setting the stage for his collegiate career.

Collegiate Journey: From Texas A&M to Texas Tech

Wilson’s college career began at Texas A&M, where he played as an outside linebacker and edge rusher from 2018 to 2019. However, seeking more playing time and a better fit for his skill set, he transferred to Texas Tech, where he truly began to shine. At Texas Tech, from 2020 to 2022, Wilson developed into one of the most promising defensive prospects in college football. His combination of size, speed, and strength made him a standout edge rusher.

During his time at Texas Tech, Wilson’s pass-rushing ability was on full display. A notable highlight came in 2022 when he split a double team, bent around the offensive line, and finished with a powerful sack, showcasing the skills that would make him a first-round pick. His college stats included significant contributions in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks, earning him accolades such as second-team All-Big 12 honors. Social media posts from Texas Tech Football and analysts like RC Maxfield (@RCMB323) highlighted his dominance, with one post describing him as “runnin’ it up” for the Red Raiders.

Despite a foot injury in 2022 that sidelined him for part of his final college season, Wilson’s tape and measurables kept him high on NFL draft boards. His college career culminated in being selected by the Las Vegas Raiders, a team looking to bolster its defensive line alongside star pass rusher Maxx Crosby.

NFL Draft and Early Expectations

In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Tyree Wilson with the No. 7 overall pick, a decision that sparked excitement and scrutiny. Analysts viewed Wilson as a raw but immensely talented prospect with the potential to develop into a double-digit sack producer. His 6’6”, 275-pound frame, combined with his athleticism, made him a coveted asset for a Raiders team aiming to rebuild its defense. The selection was seen as a long-term investment, with expectations that Wilson would complement Maxx Crosby and eventually become a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defensive front.

Initial Challenges and Injuries

Wilson’s transition to the NFL was not without hurdles. A lingering foot injury from his college days limited his participation in his rookie season (2023). He spent much of his first year recovering and adapting to the professional level, which led to modest production. In his debut season, Wilson recorded 3.5 sacks and struggled to secure a starting role, often playing behind veterans like Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce. His limited snaps and lack of immediate impact led to early criticism, with some questioning whether the Raiders had made the right choice with such a high draft pick.

Performance in the NFL: 2023–2024

Wilson’s rookie year was a learning experience. Appearing in 17 games but starting only a handful, he recorded 29 tackles (16 solo), 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. While these numbers were respectable for a rookie recovering from injury, they fell short of the expectations for a top-10 pick. Analysts noted that Wilson’s raw talent was evident, but he needed time to refine his technique and adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL offenses. His role as a rotational player behind Crosby and Koonce limited his opportunities to showcase his full potential.

2024 Season: Signs of Progress

The 2024 season marked a step forward for Wilson, though he still faced challenges in living up to his draft status. Playing in 16 regular-season games, he improved his sack total to 4.5, with 27 tackles (16 solo) and one forced fumble. A standout performance came in Week 17 against the Denver Broncos, where Wilson recorded a sack on rookie quarterback Bo Nix, earning praise from head coach Antonio Pierce for his productivity against both the pass and the run. This game highlighted his growing comfort on the field, with Pierce noting, “Tyree Wilson? I thought [it was] another productive day. Obviously, he had a sack early in the game. Pretty good against the run.”

Wilson’s development was aided by working closely with Maxx Crosby, one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers. Crosby’s mentorship, combined with coaching from defensive line coach Rob Leonard, helped Wilson refine his technique and leverage his physical tools. Despite these improvements, Wilson remained a backup behind Crosby and Malcolm Koonce, with Charles Snowden also seeing snaps ahead of him at times. His snap count increased, however, with over 20 defensive snaps in each of his last nine games of the season, indicating growing trust from the coaching staff.

Key Moments and Highlights

One of the most talked-about moments of Wilson’s 2024 season was a viral exchange with Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix during a November game. CBS cameras captured a heated moment between the two, which sparked discussion on social media. While the exchange was lighthearted in retrospect, it showcased Wilson’s competitive fire, a trait that Raiders fans hope will translate into consistent on-field production.

Another highlight was Wilson’s performance in a well-designed twist play against the Broncos, where he sacked Nix, demonstrating his ability to execute complex defensive schemes. This play, reported by NFL.com, underscored his potential to be a disruptive force when given the opportunity.

New Regime, New Opportunities

The 2025 season is shaping up to be a make-or-break year for Tyree Wilson. With the arrival of veteran head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek, the Raiders are undergoing a significant overhaul. Carroll, known for his defensive expertise, is expected to prioritize trench play, which could benefit Wilson. However, the new regime has also sparked speculation about Wilson’s future with the team, with reports suggesting he could be a trade candidate during the 2025 NFL Draft.

Analysts have dubbed 2025 Wilson’s “money year,” emphasizing that he must prove he can be the dominant force the Raiders envisioned when they drafted him. With two years remaining on his rookie contract (and a potential fifth-year option), the pressure is on for Wilson to elevate his game. The Raiders’ depth chart, which includes established stars like Crosby and the impending free agency of Koonce in 2026, adds urgency to Wilson’s need to carve out a more significant role.

Trade Rumors and Speculation

In the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, rumors surfaced that the Raiders might consider trading Wilson. Sources like Silver And Black Pride reported that the new regime could be open to moving inherited players, including Wilson, to reshape the roster. One proposed trade involved the Philadelphia Eagles, a team known for taking chances on underperforming former first-round picks. The Eagles, facing cap constraints, could see Wilson as a low-cost, high-upside addition to their defensive line. However, no trade materialized, and Wilson remains with the Raiders as of May 2025.

The trade speculation stems from Wilson’s underwhelming production relative to his draft status. With only eight sacks across 33 career games and just four starts, some analysts argue that the Raiders might look to move on and invest in a new pass rusher, such as Georgia’s Jalon Walker, with their high draft pick in 2025. Others, however, believe that Wilson’s recent progress and physical tools make him worth retaining, especially in a rotational role.

Potential for a Breakout

Despite the trade rumors, there is optimism about Wilson’s potential to thrive in 2025. His physical attributes, size, speed, and strength remain elite, and a fully healthy offseason could allow him to take a significant step forward. Working alongside a healthy Maxx Crosby, who is recovering from an ankle injury, could create favorable matchups for Wilson, as offenses are likely to focus on double-teaming Crosby. Additionally, the Raiders’ coaching staff, particularly defensive line coach Rob Leonard, has been praised for helping Wilson harness his raw talent.

Articles from Sports Illustrated suggest that a rotational role might be the best fit for Wilson in 2025, allowing him to maximize his skill set without the pressure of being a full-time starter. This approach could see Wilson spelling Crosby and Koonce, providing fresh legs and leveraging his pass-rushing ability in specific situations. If his development continues, 2025 could be the year Wilson finally has the breakout season fans have been waiting for.

Challenges and Criticisms

Living Up to Draft Status: One of the biggest criticisms of Wilson is that he has not yet justified his No. 7 overall selection. Compared to other players from the 2023 draft class, such as Will Anderson Jr. (No. 3 overall, Houston Texans), Wilson’s production has been modest. Some fans and analysts argue that the Raiders could have selected a more immediate impact player, fueling trade discussions.

Depth Chart Struggles: Wilson’s inability to secure a starting role has been a point of contention. Despite his high draft status, he remains behind Crosby, Koonce, and occasionally Charles Snowden on the depth chart. This has led to questions about his fit within the Raiders’ defensive scheme and whether he can overtake Koonce, who is approaching free agency in 2026.

Consistency and Technique: While Wilson’s physical tools are undeniable, his consistency and technique have been areas of concern. Early in his career, he struggled with leveraging his size and speed against NFL offensive linemen. However, coaching from Rob Leonard and mentorship from Crosby have helped him make strides in this area, as evidenced by his improved play in 2024.

FAQs

Are there any highlight reels or game footage of Tyree Wilson available?

Yes! Numerous highlight videos and game breakdowns featuring Tyree Wilson can be found on YouTube, the NFL’s official website, and the Las Vegas Raiders’ social media channels. These highlight reels showcase his sacks, tackles, and overall athleticism.

What was Tyree Wilson’s college career like?

Wilson began his college career at Texas A&M, redshirting his freshman year. He transferred to Texas Tech, where he became a standout defensive player. In his senior season, he recorded 61 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks before a season-ending foot injury. He was named a First-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big 12 in 2022. 

How did Tyree Wilson perform in the NFL Combine?

Wilson did not participate in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, or broad jump at the NFL Scouting Combine due to a foot injury. However, he recorded 23 bench press reps at 225 lbs. At his Pro Day, he measured 6’6″ and 271 lbs, with a wingspan of 86 inches. 

How did Tyree Wilson perform in the 2024 season?

In the 2024 season, Wilson showed significant improvement. He recorded 4.5 sacks, 16 solo tackles, and 1 forced fumble. Notably, he had a standout performance in Week 17 against the New Orleans Saints, logging a career-high eight pressures and a half-sack. 

What is Tyree Wilson’s playing style?

Wilson is known for his powerful edge rushing, utilizing techniques like the bull rush and long-arm moves to collapse the pocket. His size, strength, and length make him a formidable presence on the defensive line. He continues to develop his pass-rushing arsenal and run-stopping abilities. 

In Summary

Tyree Wilson’s journey with the Las Vegas Raiders is at a critical juncture in 2025. As a former No. 7 overall pick, he carries the weight of high expectations but has yet to fully realize his potential. His 2024 season showed promising signs of growth, with increased production and flashes of the dominance that made him a top prospect. However, trade rumors and his position behind established players like Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce highlight the challenges he faces.

Under the guidance of Pete Carroll and the Raiders’ new regime, 2025 could be the year Wilson finally breaks out, leveraging his elite physical tools to become a cornerstone of the defense. Fans are eager to see whether he can silence critics and cement his place in Las Vegas or if trade speculation will lead to a new chapter elsewhere. One thing is certain: Tyree Wilson’s story is far from over, and the NFL world will be watching closely as he navigates this pivotal season.

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