NFL Draft insider says the Lions “really like” Tyree Wilson

Anything that comes out right now regarding such things has to be taken with a huge grain of salt, but an NFL Draft insider says the Detroit Lions “really like” Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson.

Less than two weeks before the start of the 2023 NFL Draft now, it’s smokescreen, misinfomation….whatever you want to call it season. The Detroit Lions could go any direction with their two first-round picks as they look to further bolster a playoff-ready roster. So anything indicating anything definitive has to be viewed with a discerning eye.

In the outlet’s most recent draft rumors piece this week, ESPN’s Matt Miller had the following nugget about the Lions (subscription required).

"I’ve heard they really like Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech) and have a high grade on him,”. “The Lions have spent considerable time and resources meeting with and working out pass-rushers this offseason, and they will be seeking more help on defense right out of the gate in Round 1.”"

2023 NFL Draft: There’s a lot for the Lions to like about Tyree Wilson

Wilson has gone to the Lions with the sixth overall pick in some mock drafts, including some of ours here at SideLion Report. Frankly, there’s a lot to like about him.

Wilson came in at 6-foot-6 and 271 pounds at the combine, with 35 and 5/8-inch arms and speed, power, etc that shows out on tape. He has an 86-inch wingspan.

If you could create an edge rusher in a lab with all the desired physical traits, Wilson would be an ideal end result. There may not be a defensive player, regardless of position, with more upside in this draft.

Lions fans may not love one comp that has been offered for Wilson–Ezekiel Ansah. But there’s no denying how similar their physical traits are, and Wilson is raw like Ansah was when he was drafted fifth overall by the Lions in 2013.

The Lions probably do have a “high grade” on Wilson, as Miller suggested with some level of apparent intel. Many other teams surely have a high grade on him too, so why the Lions were worthy of a specific mention is unclear. But nothing is off the table for the Lions at No. 6, and Wilson is legitimately among their options if he’s there to take.