Wilson's Move to the Middle Productive for Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders drafted rookie defensive end Tyree Wilson because they believed his potential. Las Vegas has given Wilson more time on the interior of the defensive line.

The Las Vegas Raiders originally planned to slowly bring rookie defensive end Tyree Wilson along as he entered the National Football League with a lower-body injury. 

The Raiders touted Wilson's raw talent and, in their mind, unlimited potential.  

Wilson is naturally a defensive end but has experience playing multiple positions, which is another reason he was selected with the seventh overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Meanwhile, Wilson has the physical tools to succeed at various NFL positions. However, it could be argued that he has more potential on the interior of the defensive line than he does playing defensive end.

Fairly or not, Wilson being such a high draft pick came with expectations of immediate production. He had yet to produce consistently at the defensive end position. However, the skills he displayed through the bye week showed he might have been a better fit inside.

After playing most of his first 12 games in the NFL at defensive end, the Raiders played Wilson at on the interior of the defensive line and saw results almost immediately. 

Las Vegas Raiders rookie defensive end Tyree Wilson had arguably his best game as a professional against the Minnesota Vikings.  / © Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Wilson had the best game of his young career against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, with four tackles, a tackle for a loss, a quarterback hit, and a sack. 

Although it ties his best game statistically, Wilson's presence on the outside and inside led to positive plays for other players on the Raiders' defense. 

Wilson was a force in ways that don't show up on a stat sheet, and that could be what the rookie needed for his morale.

The Raiders defense finished the game with five sacks. Many of those sacks were caused by Wilson's pressure up the middle. 

Wilson had already played well against the run, even as a defensive end. On Sunday, he was able to impact the opponent's passing game more than he has at any other point this season. 

The Raiders have lost three games in a row and are on the outside of the playoffs looking in. The risks of playing Wilson more on the inside and the potential upside are low.  

As Las Vegas continues to give its younger players more time on the field, playing Wilson on the inside of the defensive line could prove more valuable than playing at his listed defensive end position. 

Wilson's potential production on the inside of the defensive line could have a domino effect on the Raiders' plans in the draft and free agency. 

The Silver and Black will turn around quickly and host their AFC West rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, on Thursday, December 14, at 8:15 p.m. EST/5:15 p.m. PST.

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