While waiting for the post-season draft sheets, the editorial staff of DNA of Sports offers you, every Tuesday, a spotlight on the future nuggets who will join the NFL in 2023.
Tyree Wilson
Born May 20, 2000 in Henderson, Texas
2m for 126 kilos
Edge, Texas Tech, senior redshirt
An intimidating defender, Tyree Wilson is tipped to be chosen in the top 10 of the 2023 draft. A complete player and occupying a very important position on the field, he nevertheless still has things to improve.
If I were a quality: ideal dimensions
To win his duels, he benefits from a dream size and wingspan: his arms are longer than those of all the Edge measured at the NFL Combine 2022! Using it to fix and then get rid of his opponents, he is this type of player for whom the opposing offensive lines prepare “two-man strikes”.
And against the running game, it’s almost as lethal as it is to disrupt the pocket: 4th in stop rate ! Only behind inside players Jalen Carter (Georgia), Mazi Smith (Michigan) and MJ Anderson (Iowa State) in 2022.
But if his physical attributes have allowed him to dominate in college, it will be much more difficult in the NFL. Tyree Wilson has a lot of potential but still needs to polish his game.
If I was a flaw: further finalize
In 2022, Tyree Wilson was formidable in pass rush win rate ! But only 7 sacks and 7 sacks also in 2021. It seems unlikely that he will sign a better total as a rookie in the NFL.
Tyree Wilson is a complete player but as a pass rusher, it is not yet sufficiently developed: angles of attack and use of the hands are still perfectible. In addition, he does not always play low enough on his support: against the golgoths of the NFL, this will not forgive.
Year 1, Tyree Wilson will be able to bring a lot to a defensive line, but probably not reach the symbolic bar of 10 sacks.
If I was an NFL player: Travon Walker (Jaguars)
Tyree Wilson looks more like Travon Walker (Jaguars) than Aidan Hutchinson (Lions) or Kayvon Thibodeaux (Giants), the three main talents at this position of the 2022 draft. Able to have an impact following various alignments, the actions of Tyree Wilson benefits his teammates. But he’s not as smooth and fast as Will Anderson (Alabama), Isaiah Foskey (Notre Dame) or Zach Harrison (Ohio State).
Like the Jaguars player or Gregory Rousseau (Bills), with whom Tyree Wilson shares the same morphotype, he will need time to fully reach his potential.
If I were a date: The Senior Bowl 2023
He is the player with the best odds for this Senior Bowl 2023. This also means that more than any other player, he will be watched closely. The slightest sporting defect, the slightest hesitant answer during interviews, could cost him points.
But if he confirms, then he could solidify his status. In 2011, Von Miller was announced in the top 10 in almost every mock draft, after his 2010 season at Texas A&M. Shining during the 2011 Senior Bowl, he ended up being chosen with the 2nd overall choice by Denver!
Tyree Wilson is playing big this week: a 4-year deal has a $10 million difference between pick 5 and pick 10.
If I were a draft pick: top 10
Because he plays in a premium position, he has the ideal dimensions and because he has all the fundamentals, he should not come out of the top 10. But of course, the draft process and in particular the NFL Combine will have a impact on his final place.
If I were an NFL team: Atlanta Falcons
Free agency, the equivalent of our European transfer window, takes place before the draft and it always gives valuable indications. In Atlanta, Lorenzo Carter was present on 81% of defensive snaps in 2022. Reaching the end of the contract, the question arises of extending a reliable player but no more: 12 QB Hits and 4 sacks in 17 games in 2022.
It is obvious that the Falcons must improve their pressure from opposing quarterbacks: 31st in 2022 in terms of sacks! Put more pressure to help the cover and the young but very talented AJ Terrell and Richie Grant (123 tackles and 2 interceptions in 2022).
Having a leader like Grady Jarrett and a perfect complement like Tyree Wilson would take this defense to the next level. Having a quality rotation on the defensive line is a must have in the NFL and young Ebiketie, Graham and Ogundeji could then develop with less pressure.
In case of trade down, the Chicago Bears could also be interested in Tyree Wilson. Like the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and Philadelphia Eagles, to speak only of franchises with a top-10 pick.
