Recent Raiders first-round pick under pressure in NFL preseason

The Las Vegas Raiders will kick off the preseason on Thursday versus the Seattle Seahawks, and one former first-round pick has a ton to prove.

Bleacher Report's Moe Moton lists Raiders defensive lineman Tyree Wilson as a player with a lot on the line in the 2025 NFL preseason.

"The Raiders can try to unlock Wilson's upside by employing him in different spots. That said, wherever he lines up, the third-year pro must show why a previous regime selected him with the seventh overall pick. Wilson needs to put his true potential on full display with more opportunities on the interior," Moton wrote.

Wilson has been underwhelming in his NFL career so far. The 2023 No.7 overall pick has tallied just eight sacks through two seasons and hasn't lived up to the hype after being labeled as a high-potential prospect coming out of Texas Tech.

With Christian Wilkins getting released and Las Vegas lacking high-end talent and depth on the interior of the defensive line, Wilson has been taking more snaps at defensive tackle at camp, and that should continue heading into the preseason.

The 25-year-old has the size to make the position change and should also see easier matchups on the interior due to his speed over most guards and centers.

If Wilson wants to set himself up for a breakout 2025 campaign, the former top ten pick must post a promising season and show head coach Pete Carroll and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham that he deserves a full-time starting role.

2025 could be a make-or-break year for Wilson, who will likely have his fifth-year option declined next offseason if he doesn't play well this season. The position change could unlock the former Red Raiders' skillset that made him a coveted player in the 2023 NFL Draft, as it's clear that playing edge rusher full time hasn't been working for him.

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