The defense of the Raiders continues to improve at a rapid pace. They are currently the No. 9 defense in the league by points and they’ve gotten some fantastic production on the defensive line by players not named Maxx Crosby.
One player who had a solid performance in Week 14 was first-round pick Tyree Wilson, who recorded his third career sack. But that’s not the only reason why it was a good day for him. He found ways to be productive even when he wasn’t recording a sack.
Here is what Pro Football Focus had to say about the No. 7 pick from the 2023 NFL Draft:
Wilson’s 64.2 grade against Minnesota represents his second-best mark of the season. He tallied a career-high four pressures and his third career sack. Interestingly, two of those pressures came when Wilson was lined up as a defensive tackle.
It seems he is acquiring a feel for using his strength when rushing the passer. If he can learn to use that power in the run game, he could become the dangerous force generally associated with his draft slot.
One of the reasons the Raiders feel comfortable moving Wilson inside is due to Malcolm Koonce’s improved play. The third-year EDGE rusher has started to play better, recording at least four pressures in four straight games.
If Wilson can continue to be productive at defensive tackle, the Raiders should be able to get all of their best pass rushers on the field at the same time. And that will spell trouble for opposing offenses.
