Falcons Potential Draft Target: EDGE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech

The Falcons’ roster is well-rounded heading into draft season. There are still moves on the table that can be made, but Terry Fontenot has done an excellent job getting the team in a position to take the best player available; there are no glaring holes. This continues a series talking about a number of potential draft targets, moving on to Texas Tech defender Tyree Wilson.

• DT Jalen Carter
• QB Anthony Richardson
• RB Bijan Robinson
• DB Brian Branch
• QB C.J. Stroud
• QB Bryce Young
• QB Will Levis
• EDGE Will Anderson
• OT Paris Johnson Jr.
• CB Devon Witherspoon
• EDGE Myles Murphy
• CB Christian Gonzalez 

Tyree Wilson

The skinny on Tyree Wilson is he’s a physically dominant edge defender with excellent versatility.

He’s got long arms (35 5/8 inches) that he knows how to use. When defending the run, he’s stout on the edge, able to easily lock out, anchor down, and shed blockers. Despite being such a large defender, he’s got a surprising get-off and can chase down runs from the backside.

Wilson is listed at 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, which is where that versatility comes from. He shows best as a pass rusher when Wilson kicks inside. He’s a power pass rusher who uses his size and strength to bullrush offensive linemen. He’s not all brute, though. Wilson possesses enough athleticism to twist and stunt along the front, maneuvering in condensed spaces.

There are concerns about how effective he can be as a pass rusher on the edge; Wilson is strong and long enough but doesn’t have the quickness to affect the quarterback consistently. That’s why he’s most valuable rushing from the interior.

It would be a great pick for the Falcons, though. If you look at Atlanta’s edge group, it is more finesse than power. Arnold Ebiketie and DeAngelo Malone are smaller defenders but possess impressive burst and agility when rushing the passer. Tyree Wilson would complement that group very well.

The Texas Tech product could assume early down roles on the edge and kick inside on obvious passing downs, enabling the Falcons to get their best pass rushers on the field at one time.

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Photographer: Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire