Texas Tech defensive lineman Tyree Wilson Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Lions reportedly high on stud pass-rusher early in NFL Draft

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 4/14/23

Many experts believe the Detroit Lions will likely address their defense with both of their first-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Lions hold the No. 6 and 18 overall picks, and ESPN’s Matt Miller is hearing that Texas Tech pass rusher Tyree Wilson may just be at the top of their draft board.

“The Lions selected Aidan Hutchinson at No. 2 overall last year, but that won't necessarily keep them from selecting another defensive end early in the 2023 draft,” Miller said. “I've heard they really like Tyree Wilson and have a high grade on him. … Wilson ranks No. 8 overall on my board and is the second-best edge rusher in the class. He's a slight reach at No. 6 but could turn the Lions' D-line into a serious strength.”

The Detroit Lions are reportedly “infatuated” with Tyree Wilson.

Many scouts believe Wilson is the “best overall” pass rusher in this year’s Draft class.

Wilson did not participate in either the NFL Combine or his Pro Day because of a foot injury, but has since been medically… pic.twitter.com/iydayxPYym
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) April 13, 2023

Wilson, who’s regarded as one the No. 2 edge rusher in the draft class behind Alabama’s Will Anderson, registered 36 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, seven sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 2022.

He led all Big 12 defenders with 50 QB pressures and a pass-rush win rate of 22 percent this season, according to Pro Football Focus, and he totaled 13.5 or more tackles for loss and seven sacks each of the last two seasons.

While the Lions defense ranked last in the NFL in 2022, the pash rush as a whole (outside of Hutchinson and James Houston) struggled to get pressure on the quarterback. The duo combined for 17.5 of Detroit’s 39 total sacks, and Hutchinson and John Cominsky were the only Lions players to generate more than 30 pressures and 25 hurries.

Potentially adding Wilson on the opposite end would free up Hutchinson from the number of double teams he’d likely see and give the Lions three legitimate players with double-digit sack potential.

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