The Las Vegas Raiders are an intriguing team to watch in this NFL season. Not only are they bringing a star-studded coaching staff with Pete Carroll as the head coach and Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator, but players are coming for vengeance. Specifically, one key player on defense that was a first-round pick is trying to live up to his status.
That player is Tyree Wilson, defensive end, who is entering his third year. Being selected 7th overall in 2023, Wilson has not delivered as such a high pick. He’s only started four out of 33 games. However, he is now ready to make a major leap in form.
Speaking to Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Wilson said, “I feel like I’m playing faster, way more fluid than I have been before, and it’s going to continue to get better.” As soon as Pete Carroll arrived, a new defensive star can rise from the ashes of an otherwise disappointing player. The resurgence is coming for Wilson, it seems.
Tyree Wilson’s production has been subpar
When you are picked 7th overall, you’re expected to have an immediate effect and become a star. Wilson hasn’t been that case. He had 3.5 sacks during his rookie year and wasn’t a starter. Bear in mind, he should be the partner in crime of superstar Maxx Crosby.
During his second year, he started four games and had 4.5 sacks. But now, if we take him by his word, Wilson could finally be creating the much-expected impact his draft pick would entail.
Pete Carroll is always keen on defense
Carroll is a defense-oriented coach and he is always trying to get that unit right so the offense is given a chance to win. Most famously, he was the architect of the ‘Legion of Boom‘ in Seattle, one of the most notorious defenses of all time which helped the Seahawks get a Super Bowl win.
With that in mind, Carroll would clearly and gladly take Wilson’s words at something to put expectations on. If Wilson’s talent is exploited, the Raiders might have one of the two defensive ends duos in the league.