Raiders Ramping Up Tyree Wilson's Workload

The Las Vegas Raiders had their plan in mind for Tyree Wilson. They have begun increasing the rookie defensive lineman's playing time.

Defensive end Tyree Wilson has begun working his way into the game-day rotation more and more as the season progresses. The Las Vegas Raiders have gotten Wilson up to speed on everything.

"Tyree [Wilson] is playing more and more in terms of doing the things we thought he could do," Coach Josh McDaniels said. "I know there's one number everybody is waiting for, so I understand that part of it, but I thought he was very impactful in the running game the other day.

"Some of the things in the pass rush, there are opportunities, and we're getting closer on some of those things, too.

The Las Vegas Raiders hope Tyree Wilson's production increases as his time on the field increases / © Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

"So, the thing he's doing is he's been out there every day; he's stringing weeks together, he's getting better in terms of understanding his role, the defense, and what he's doing on every call, the technique we're using, getting off on the football, how to play different blockers.

"That's a big thing for him, too, because the left tackle this week is not the same as the left tackle last week, and that will continue through his entire career.

"So with these guys, there are different level of preparation that go into winning rushes, winning run blocks, etc., against different people," McDaniels said. 

"He's learning how to do all of that, and I love the fact that he's been durable and been able to stay out there on the practice field, which I think is where you're going to see the most improvement from him." 

I asked Wilson how his progression in the National Football League has progressed. 

"It was a progression to get me back healthy to go with the team and build me up," Wilson told Sports Illustrated. "I'm just now letting the game slow down a little bit. I keep going each and every week to improve."

Wilson has added or improved a different element of his game each week. I asked him what his focus was this week.

Wilson's focus heading into Chicago on Sunday is to do his job, even if that means not always getting the statistical credit.

"I just have different things each and every week that I'm focused on; first it was my get off," Wilson told SI. "Now it's just time to rush and be able to get after the quarterback. Whether it's sacks or interceptions by the defensive backs.

"Chicago is a successful running team. So, it's really just setting the edge and not letting the ball get outside of me and turning the ball back into my interior D-linemen or the linebackers."

Wilson is a talented and physically gifted rookie who has the chance to be special should he grow into the player the Raiders had in mind when they drafted him seventh overall. 

The Silver and Black will head out on the road to take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 1:05 p.m. EDT/10:05 a.m. PDT.

Please tell us your thoughts when you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.