Raiders pass rusher Tyree Wilson 'playing faster' as he searches for breakout in Year 3

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Tyree Wilson struggled through his first two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. Under Pete Carroll, the former No. 7 overall pick is looking for a breakout campaign.

Wilson has reportedly looked significantly improved in practice, and his get-off has looked better during preseason reps.

“I mean, y’all watch the tape, just like I do,” Wilson said on Wednesday, via the Las Vegas Journal-Review. “I feel like I’m playing faster, way more fluid than I have been before. And it’s going to continue to get better.”

In 33 games over his first two seasons, Wilson generated eight sacks and 56 total tackles. He often struggled out of the box, was slow out of his stance, and looked like a player thinking rather than playing.

Entering Year 3, his confidence and knowledge of the defense give him a chance to unlock obvious athletic talent.

“Don’t think, just go and react to whatever shows up in front of you,” Wilson said.

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The Raiders have deployed Wilson all across the defensive line. He lines up on the edge while also sliding inside in certain situations. This versatility should keep him on the field more and could lead to increased production.

“We’ve called on him in a number of ways to keep going, keep pushing,” Carroll said on Wednesday. “We’re really trying to make sure that we put him in the right spots that take advantage of his skills and his comfort and so that he can play at his best.”

Wilson entered the NFL raw, using power to win against college tackles. He quickly learned that he’d need to diversify his skill set to succeed in the professional game. It’s taken some time, but at 6-foot-5, 263 pounds, he has the profile to excel if he can add to his repertoire.

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