Draft season is upon us, which means that we at Chargers Wire are hard at work breaking down the film to evaluate potential picks throughout the draft.
With a strong draft class at edge defender and tight end, Los Angeles is well-positioned to fill some holes this offseason.
Today, we’ll be looking at Texas Tech pass rusher Tyree Wilson.
Background: Attended high school in a town of less than 1,000 people in Texas and committed to Washington State before flipping to Texas A&M to stay in his home state. Transferred after two seasons and ended up at Texas Tech, who played him full-time on the edge after the Aggies utilized him as a hybrid player. Declared in November after breaking a bone in his foot, but announced he would be healthy enough to work out pre-draft.
Red Flags: None
Strengths: Rusher with elite play strength and endless motor to get towards the QB despite lacking a refined pass rush plan or counter if the bull rush doesn’t get home. One of the most versatile players in recent memory: Texas Tech dropped him into coverage, used him as a stand-up rusher, and had him put his hand in the dirt in every technique from 3 to wide 9. Effective from every alignment. Incredible length aids an already stellar profile in run support – tape is littered with backside run stops where he flashes length to rope in opposing ballcarriers.
Weaknesses: Not the fastest player off the snap, although does have nice build-up speed. Pad level is poor; frequently allows offensive linemen into his chest thinking he can toss them around with his power. Does not consistently displace hands when forced to venture outside his power toolbox. Stiff hips hamper his ability to change directions and bend around the corner.
Final Word: One of the draft’s most hyped players because of the NFL’s pivot to freakishly athletic and versatile members of the defensive line, Wilson projects as a 4-3 base end with the flexibility to kick inside on passing downs. Such a position would allow him to most effectively use his power and motor profile to get home to the quarterback.
Fit Likelihood: Low
Grade: Late 1st
Film Highlights:
Wilson chaining together a long-arm and chop move to drive the tackle backwards and collapse the pocket:
Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson with a long arm-chop combo to come up with the half sack against TCU.
Wilson’s combo of power, length, and violent hands are just ridiculous. Dominant force against the pass and run, worthy of a top-10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/dIyq5CSSTd
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) January 14, 2023
Wilson getting to the inside and overpowering a center to get in on a pressure:
HELLO TYREE WILSON pic.twitter.com/NkpoxAIrLo
— Cory (@realcorykinnan) December 15, 2022
Showcasing his power, lower body explosiveness, and pursuit skills:
Tyree Wilson has some strong mitts man. Has no problem leveraging blockers out of his frame. Not to mention the explosiveness in his lower half. pic.twitter.com/zyy73rXzvG
— Cory (@realcorykinnan) June 17, 2022
