Raiders' future franchise guy explains what he is bringing to Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Raiders sound like they made the right choice in the 2023 NFL Draft based on the things we are hearing from their first pick. Just based off the small conversations we have heard the No. 7 pick have with the media, the kid seems to have a great head on his shoulders, […]
The Las Vegas Raiders sound like they made the right choice in the 2023 NFL Draft based on the things we are hearing from their first pick.
Just based off the small conversations we have heard the No. 7 pick have with the media, the kid seems to have a great head on his shoulders, and I would guess he loves football. I mean, you kind of have to love it to be as dedicated as a player of his caliber is. Some can get by off their talent alone, but you don't become a top 10 pick by not working hard.
That's just one of the many reasons the Raiders took a flyer on him, and that's what they did, because Wilson's stock was falling the closer we got to the draft, for some odd reason. There were other defenders available, and even a quarterback in Will Levis that they could have taken but didn't. Las Vegas liked what they saw in Wilson, and what he could bring to the clubhouse, as they say.
Wilson started the pre-draft process, or as soon as media members start thinking about the draft, as a guy who was supposed to go top five in the draft. Of course, like they do every year, things changed and he went seventh to the Raiders. A pick that high meets high expectations. If I had to guess, this is a guy they would like to be a franchise caliber player alongside Maxx Crosby and Davante Adams.
He has the potential to be just that, a gut that is the best player on his team, but also has the ability to take the team to places they didn't go before his arrival. And ultimately, that's what the Raiders needed in a draft prospect. The fit is perfect.
And it makes the selection even better when you hear what exactly it is he is bringing to the team. He let everyone know in his post-draft presser that he has what it takes to be a great player in this league.
"I would say my biggest strength is being versatile, being able to play wherever they need me to play," Wilson told reporters. "And there are other things that I need to work on like locking out all the time and playing with pad leverage and just being more technical sound… It helps a lot, and just playing defense, being able to get…off, and being able to convert.
"The big thing on defense is getting turnovers, so it helps you get to the quarterback quicker, get sacks and get strip-sacks… That's who I am, somebody that's working hard. I feel like if you don't practice hard, you don't play hard. Coming to the Silver and Black, that's what they're big – practice like you play and being dominant and relentless."
Before we get into anything, I love how he noted the things he still needs to work on. That is a sign of maturity and work ethic. He knows what needs to be focused on when it comes to his game.
I know there are some fans that are truly upset with this pick, which is fine, because everyone can have their own opinion. There are fans that wanted the team to go after a cornerback earlier, go after a quarterback, and there are even fans that wanted Jalen Carter, who ended up going to the Philadelphia Eagles. But, given everything we knew I think this was a great pick.
Your getting a guy who can replace Chandler Jones not just next year or the years to come, but possibly could do that this year. They are getting a guy who can be active in the run game as well, which is another area they struggled with on defense. And, they were still able to go and get a guy in Jakorian Bennett in middle rounds to help with their secondary.
Wilson didn't play against NFL type talent at the offensive tackle position in college, so getting used to the NFL will be a work in progress. But, it's safe to say his potential is through the roof. Wilson can be a cornerstone player of this team for years to come, and I think they made thee right decision.
