Tyree Wilson The Freak Show: Bears 2023 Draft Scouting Report

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.