Wilson picked seventh overall by Raiders in NFL Draft

Texas Tech outside linebacker Tyree Wilson became the highest-drafted defensive player in school history Thursday night as he was selected seventh overall by the Las Vegas Raiders during the opening night of the 2023 NFL Draft.

As expected, it didn't take long for Wilson to hear his name called as the Red Raider trades in his scarlet and black for the silver and black. The selection capped a successful three-year career at Texas Tech as Wilson is the 10th Red Raider all-time to be selected in the first round and the fourth from the defensive side of the ball.

At No. 7 overall, Wilson's selection ties for the second-highest drafted player in school history and is the highest pick in the modern era. Wilson is the fifth Red Raider all-time to go in the top 10 picks, joining the likes of Dave Parks (No. 1 overall, 1964), Donny Anderson (No. 7 overall, 1965), Michael Crabtree (No. 10 overall, 2009) and Patrick Mahomes II (No. 10 overall, 2017). All four of those individuals are already inductees into the Texas Tech Ring of Honors.

Wilson rose up draft boards throughout his final season as a Red Raider as he earned first-team All-America honors despite missing the final four games due to an injury. At the time of his injury, Wilson was one of only two-power five players and one of seven in the FBS to have 60 tackles, at least 10.0 tackles for loss and 6.0 or more sacks.

Wilson frustrated opposing offensive lines, forcing multiple double teams to attempt to limit his impact in the backfield. He was still able to total 29.0 stops behind the line of scrimmage and 15.5 sacks over his three seasons, the majority of which came this past season. He put together his best season to close his career, notching 61 tackles in Tim DeRuyter's rush end scheme – a career-best – as well as 14.0 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks.

Wilson was among the handful of prospects invited to attend the draft in person as he walked the stage at Union Station in Kansas City to shake hands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. In addition to Wilson, Texas Tech was represented on-site by head coach Joey McGuire, outside linebackers coach C.J. Ah You, director of player personnel James Blanchard and Associate A.D. for football administration Antonio Huffman.