Patriots Hosting Top 10 Pick Tyree Wilson for Top-30 Visit; Trading Up?

The New England Patriots are always interested in meeting with top-level talent such as Texas Tech edge defender Tyree Wilson during the NFL Draft scouting period.

FOXBORO — Few, if any, teams channel their inner “Glengarry Glen Ross” better than the New England Patriots. 

In short, they will “Always Be Scouting.”

Despite having hosted some of the top prospects in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft, the Pats continue to do their due diligence by hosting a player considered to be a “top 10” lock by several draft analysts. 

Per a Tuesday morning report from Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, New England is set to host Texas Tech linebacker Tyree Wilson on a Top-30 visit on Friday. 

New England’s coaching contingent previously met with Wilson during the NFL Scouting Combine in early March. 

Given their first selection will not take place until pick No. 14 in the first round, the Pats’ scouting of the dynamic ex-Red Raiders’ defender may seem like a bit of vaulting ambition. After all, it is highly-unlikely that his services will still be available when New England hits the clock for the first time on April 27.

Still, Wilson’s talent cannot be denied … and is certainly worth a closer look from the Patriots brass. 

Not only is the 22-year-old one of the most highly-touted defenders in this year’s class, he is also poised to make an immediate impact at the NFL level. Wilson enjoyed a stellar senior season in 2022, having compiled 36 tackles (10 for loss), nine quarterback-hits and seven sacks. For his efforts, he was awarded selections as both a First Team All Big-12, and First Team All-American. 

While he began his collegiate career at Texas A&M, Wilson truly blossomed after transferring to Texas Tech in 2020. During his two seasons with the Red Raiders, he demonstrated his versatility by playing both the edge and interior defensive line positions along their defensive front. 

Wilson plays with a physically-dominant style, which should allow him to become an immediate contributor when defending the run. Still, at 6-6 and 275 pounds, his size and range along the defensive front provide him the opportunity to become a playmaker against the run, and as a pass rusher. Though his technique against the pass may require some cultivating from his pro coaches, Wilson is rightfully considered one of the most promising edge prospects for 2023. 

Although New England is presumably impressed by Wilson’s prowess and potential, he is unlikely to become a Patriot. For starters, the team faces the almost-certain need to trade into the top 10 to obtain him. Given the higher-priority needs on their roster, the Pats are more inclined to use their first-round capital to satisfy other positional deficiencies — including the offensive line, skill positions or their defensive backfield. 

New England seems to be set with another sizable edge option on their roster in veteran Deatrich Wise, Jr. The Pats team captain enjoyed his best statistical season in 2022, logging 59 total tackles (seven for loss), 11 quarterback hits, and a career-high 7.5 sacks. Wilson’s length and tenacious style of play have earned him well-deserved comparisons to Wise — though the impending rookie, by consensus, is considered to have the greater upside. 

With more factors working against [as opposed to in favor of] drafting Wilson, it is fair to question New England’s motives in hosting the blue-chip prospect for a visit. 

Simply put, Patriots coach Bill Belichick is always scouting. 

Pre-draft visits are as much about reconnaissance as tangible evaluation under Belichick. In gaining greater understanding of a player’s style, thought process and insight, the Pats coach can devise a more effective game plan in helping to neutralize him for upcoming matchups. It also provides an advanced look into whether a player, like Wilson, may be a desirable trade target or free agent acquisition in the not-so-distant future. 

In the final analysis, the chances of Wilson facing the Patriots in 2023 are much greater than those of his wearing their uniform.

Should he slip to them at No. 14, however?

All bets should be considered off. 

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Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots

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