The Chicago Bears are almost sure to take a defensive lineman if they stay in the top five of the 2023 draft. Current projections have them either taking Will Anderson or Jalen Carter. That doesn’t figure to change for now. Perhaps the Senior Bowl and scouting combine will bring more clarity. One name evaluators are anxious to learn more about is Tyree Wilson of Texas Tech. He appears to have several tools NFL teams would covet. Perhaps it’s time to take a closer look.
- Position: EDGE
- School: Texas Tech
- Year: Junior
- Height: 6’6
- Weight: 275 lbs
Tyree Wilson scouting look
Strengths:
- Exciting athleticism. Has the ability to play multiple positions from either side of the line.
- NFL size with his well-proportioned frame and outstanding length.
- Grown-man strength. Can power through double teams and set the edge against the run.
- Consistent effort. Never gives up on plays and always hustles to the ball.
This is a demonstration of what makes Wilson so terrifying. He uses those long arms to shove the tackle out of his stance, giving him a lane to the inside. Then he utilizes his power and motor to barrel through an attempted double team. To top it off, he showcases his strong hands to drag the quarterback down for what they call a high-quality sack. Few edge rushers at any level can do things like this.
- Surprisingly quick for his size. Shows good closing speed.
- Has the awareness necessary to find the football.
- Good tackler. When he gets his hands on somebody, they usually go down.
Weaknesses:
- Doesn’t always take full advantage of his length. Lets blockers into his body too much.
- Hand-fighting technique is raw. Doesn’t seem to rush with a plan too often.
- Needs to do a better job of maintaining gap integrity.
- Doesn’t show an ability to bend the edge well. A possible byproduct of his size.
- Snap anticipation is average. Could stand to improve his timing.
Pro comparison: Carlos Dunlap
The size and frames are almost identical. Dunlap was big, long, and powerful coming out of Florida. He also had steady production over two years, with 18 sacks and 24 tackles for a loss. Wilson has 14 sacks and 27.5 tackles for a loss. Dunlap likely would’ve been a 1st round pick if not for some off-the-field concerns and worries about an inconsistent work ethic. He was effective from the moment he stepped on the field and now has 100 career sacks. Wilson has that same ceiling.
Projection: Top 10
Tyree Wilson is a freak of nature. The physical specimens always rise to the top when it comes to the NFL draft. His mixture of size, power, and athleticism is rare. His production was solid and his tape shows a player that never seemed to have a true position. With more refining of his game, there is loads of untapped potential. His profile is precisely what Matt Eberflus would covet in a defensive end. While taking him at #1 is far too risky, he would be a prime option if the Bears traded down.
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If they trade down to 4 or below, the only thing holding Poles back from taking him would be the expected uproar at not taking Carter or Anderson should one of them still be on the board. Not saying he’s better than Anderson, but he’s a better fit in a 4-3. If they can sign one of the big name IDL free agents, I’d be all in on this guy for edge and would look for IDL prospects in the second or third rounds. If they acquired a second first round pick, they could then take either a WR or… Read more »
I’m liking this guy. If he was “the man” every team game planned for and he still performed that well he must be special and his past history of being focused on can only help him be ready for the NFL double/triple teams.
Poles can trade down and get Wilson because he’s a much better value than Carter and Anderson is much better suited for a 34 defense because of his weight. Plus we can get Wilson and get a number one for 24 and set ourselves up for Harrison or another QB if need be. The trade down is very important for this year and next year. Always leave yourself in a strong position when you have the opportunity to because if JF doesn’t workout or one of the top picks don’t workout or both you are screwed. So this is why… Read more »
Thx for an article that wasn’t about TRADING Fields.
Good to read about other draft prospects.
I wish free agency was upon us so we could get “phase 1” done.
Wonder why we aren’t resigning some of the guy Poles mentioned in his year end presser? (e..g J’ Johnson, Kmet… etc)
Might be able to get him at #4 but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cardinals take him at #3. Maybe their new coach will run a 3-4 and take Anderson. Or they could trade down with a team that wants whichever quarterback is left.