Raiders Considering Moving DE Tyree Wilson Around
The Las Vegas Raiders have continued to bring their first-round draft pick, defensive end Tyree Wilson, along as the season progresses. Raiders’ Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham shared his thoughts on giving Wilson a chance to play on the inside of the defensive line now that he’s more acquainted with football on the NFL level. “We’ll see [about moving him around] on Sunday, we’ll see but we’re focused on him just improving,” Graham said.
“I mean, the defensive line, it’s whether you’re a nine technique or five-technique, I know the combinations of blocks can be different, but it still comes down to reading your keys, striking your key with your hands, getting your hands out in front of your eyes and then being able to transition in the pass rush.” Graham explained the difference that most defenders, specifically defensive linemen, experience when they come into the NFL after dominating in college. “I always think there’s a benefit for a young, edge player to have some experience down inside because I’ve told you guys before in college when they’re that good, nobody has really blocked them before,” Graham said.
Every player’s transition to the professional level is different.
The 6-6, 275-pound Wilson has played mainly on the edge this season but has the ability to play inside. For another well-known former Raider defensive lineman, his transition was the opposite. “So, how good are they with their hands?” Graham asked, “When you force the edge guy to go inside — no different than what we did in New England when I had Chandler [Jones] when I was coaching D-line there. We put Chandler Jones on the inside first.” Graham explained another part of the learning curve for talented linemen coming out of college is having to learn to win with technique, instead of relying heavily on their talent.
“It teaches him to use his hands: ‘Oh, I can play with my length,'” Graham said. “Yeah, you can’t just run around the edge anymore like you did in college. So, I think there are’s a lot of positives that go into that when you move him up and down the line, especially early on.” The Raiders are still searching for consistent production from their defensive end position outside of Maxx Crosby. Las Vegas’ first-round draft pick stepping up into that role would go a long way for the Raiders’ defense, especially on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Silver and Black will return home this week to celebrate Thanksgiving and take on their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Sunday, November 26, at 4:25 p.m. EST/1:25 p.m. PST.
