Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson's 2023 NFL draft stock is gaining momentum as the first round inches closer. The 6'6', 276-pound pass rusher has the most appealing physical traits of any prospect in this year's draft, and he's considered a lock to be selected in the first 10 picks.
There's even a chance he can experience the same pre-draft rise that last year's No. 1 pick Travon Walker had. Walker's trek toward being the first player selected began during NFL Combine week despite players like Aidan Hutchinson long being considered the favorite for the top pick throughout the college season.
Wilson leapfrogged Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. in Daniel Jeremiah's latest 2023 mock draft, which should have Bears fans' attention. There's a chance -- albeit a slim one -- that Wilson could rank higher than any other defender on GM Ryan Poles' board.
Tyree Wilson spoke with the media at the NFL Combine Wednesday and confirmed he's met with the Bears... twice. He expressed his "love" for Chicago's coaches and general manager Ryan Poles and said he'd be excited if he had an opportunity to play for the organization.
Tyree Wilson could be a Chicago Bears target if they trade out of No. 1 overall
Sure, this is what every top prospect should say about the team with the No. 1 pick. It is a business, after all. But Tyree Wilson has a chance to become a Chicago Bear, so putting positive messaging out there will help him in his effort to win over some fans who might be on the fence about their preferred choice for the Bears in the first round.
Wilson didn't dominate the college football scene like a player with his freakish traits would be expected to (he had only 14 sacks over the last two seasons), but his tape is undeniably exciting. He has the skill set necessary to become one of the NFL's better three-down edge defenders with a double-digit sack upside.
“I’m a great worker and I’m passionate about football,” Wilson said. “I’m going to take the organization to another level.
“If (the Bears) draft me, I’ll bring everybody along in this draft class. I’ll be a future face of the franchise and soon be a leader of the defense.”
If Wilson's 2023 draft stock holds steady in or around the bottom half of the top 10, he'll be a realistic target for the Chicago Bears if they trade back. The current favorites to trade with the Bears are the Houston Texans (No. 2 overall), Indianapolis Colts (No. 4 overall), and Carolina Panthers (No. 9 overall).
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