Rookie DE Tyree Wilson could supercharge Raiders defense

The seventh overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft is an unpolished prospect with tremendous upside. Per The Athletic's Mike Sando, one evaluator said Wilson is "more impressive than Cleveland's Myles Garrett," a two-time First-Team All-Pro.

Aside from star DE Maxx Crosby — who tied for eighth in the NFL in sacks last season (12.5 in 17 games) — Las Vegas lacks a strong pass rush. In 2022, it logged 27 sacks, 30th in the NFL, so the Raiders need Wilson to fulfill his potential.

Las Vegas could be the right destination for him. He can learn from Crosby and four-time Pro Bowl DE Chandler Jones, who wants to mentor the 23-year-old.

"When I was a young player, I had [former Patriots and Texans defensive tackle] Vince Wilfork, but he wasn't much of a pass-rusher," Jones recently said, via ESPN's Paul Gutierrez. "I wish I had a Maxx Crosby, a Chandler Jones in my room as a rookie. It's our job as players to pass that down, and the things we can share. I mean, looking at [Tyree], I'm excited to have him on the team."  

If Wilson listens to Jones, he could become a headache for offensive coordinators. The 6-foot-6, 275-pounder showed flashes of a dominant player at Texas Tech, recording 14 sacks in 23 games.

If Wilson becomes an impact player right away, it will help the Raiders defense defy expectations this season, and his talented veteran teammates are there to help him along.