Tyree Wilson Turning the Corner? Raiders Preseason Finale & Roster Battles

Is Tyree Wilson turning the corner? Plus key storylines from the Raiders’ preseason finale and final roster battles as cuts loom

Author

Jesse Merrick
August 22, 2025

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"It's kind of when I get bored. I get a little bored in practice. Geno (Smith) might be throwing it a lot. There's not a lot of run plays. So I'm kind of, 'Alright, this is boring.' I can't kill nobody in the kill zone yet because it's practice. So I start talking that way. Or like, for example, yesterday we had one-on-ones versus the running backs, and rules have kind of changed now with one-on-one, so you can't really rush them a certain way, so it's slanted. So the running backs got to chirping. So I'm just like, 'Y'all know team run is next,' and they still chirping. Like, 'All right, I was going to take it easy on y'all today, but I guess I'll set this tone.' And yeah, I think it's little stuff like that.

— Elandon Roberts, Raiders Linebacker, on being a quiet trash talker at practice.

Photo Courtesy: Arnie Bazemore

In today’s newsletter, we’re diving into whether Tyree Wilson is finally turning the corner and showing the flashes the Raiders have been waiting for. We’ll also set the stage for the preseason finale, with a close look at the final roster battles that will decide who sticks around as cuts loom.

IS TYREE WILSON TURNING THE CORNER?

Photo Courtesy: Arnie Bazemore

Is Tyree Wilson turning the corner? After a big outing in the preseason game against the 49ers and back-to-back days of solid practices, he seems to think so.

"Yeah, I would say the game slowed down a lot. It's more just working on craft now, getting the right technique and just playing with game speed. Don't think, just go and then react to whatever shows up in front of you, and that's what I try to do every day."

— Tyree Wilson, Raiders Defensive End

Tyree consistently set the edge in that game against San Fran, and playing from the interior, he drove the guard into Brock Purdy’s lap on a third down to force a field goal. Then, in Thursday’s practice, he caught my eye on four occasions. First, he got home on a would-be sack, then ruined a screen play with Maxx Crosby, and in 1-on-1s, he bull rushed Dylan Parham into the QB, and then used speed to beat him around the outside on another rep. All great signs for the former No. 7 Overall pick, who earlier in camp told us he was working on adding more counter moves to his arsenal.

"At the end of the day, man, my arms long as hell, so power comes first. And being able to have the changeup with speed, and sometimes getting off with speed gets the defender off balance, so I go with power, and then be able to counter off that move to be able to affect the play."

— Tyree Wilson

Lately, he’s been able to make the most impact when they slide him inside to defensive tackle. Things happen a lot faster there, and Tyree said he enjoys the different look of lining up inside presents.

"Man, I feel like being able to work with multiple guys, make the rush right, and also be able to get on the defender quick, and it's the quickest path to the quarterback being inside. You go through the guard, the quarterback is really going to be standing right there."

— Tyree Wilson

It’s a small sample size, but it’s also a big step forward for Tyree. The big question will be whether or not he can do that consistently once the regular season rolls around. He likely won’t be counted on as a starter for the Raiders, but he will be cycled in with the second unit and used often in different packages. If he can prove to be an effective rusher off the bench for the Raiders in those situations, it could be a pretty big game-changer for this defense in 2025.

MISS ANYTHING?

Catch up on some of our recent stories:

Jeanty Plays Chess While Everyone Else Plays Checkers

— Expectations don’t rattle Jeanty — he approaches the game like a chess match, staying one move ahead.

Pete’s Nuggets, Big Plays & Raiders Camp Buzz

— Pete Carroll’s best quotes, Saturday’s standouts and camp chatter — what Raider Nation needs to know

Raiders Preseason Finale Preview | Who Plays, Who Stays with Cuts Looming

The Raiders’ preseason finale is here, and it brings plenty of storylines to watch. In the latest episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, I break down whether the starters will see action, who’s fighting to secure a roster spot in the RB and WR rooms, and where the offensive line still has some questions. I also highlight safety Terrell Edmunds’ late push, too. For the full breakdown and my take on what to expect heading into cuts, check out the podcast above.

FANSHOTZ FRIDAY

Photo Courtesy: Arnie Bazemore, Vegas Sports Today

We’ve got a new segment for you guys! “FanShotz Friday”

By now, you have seen the phenomenal photos we’ve been using in many of our newsletters. They’re some of the best shots you’ll find of your favorite team, captured through the lens of our friend Arnie Bazemore of Fanshotz.com. Every Friday, we’ll feature Arnie’s favorite Raiders shot of the week that he captures at practice or on gameday. This week, we’re featuring this sweet shot he snagged of Ashton Jeanty in the preseason game against the 49ers. Check out his work at his site linked above and reach out if you’re interested in working with him. He’s a great guy and has been so supportive of me over the years when I was at NBC here in Vegas, and he’s come along for the ride with Silver & Black Sports Network, too.

OBSERVATIONS FROM PRACTICE

  • Kyu Blu Kelly was back at practice after missing a day with a tight hamstring. He settled back in working with the ones and continues to be in the mix for that starting CB role opposite Eric Stokes.

  • Dont’e Thornton continued to have a bit of a rough time with the deep passes. On a post route, Geno delivered a ball right into his hands, and he couldn’t haul it in. It’s been a tough couple of days for him as they try to iron out the kinks in his game. He did look really good early on in camp, so we’ll see if he can turn it around before the season rolls around.

  • Terrell Edmunds started getting work with the first team defense recently, and on Thursday, he even got some burn at free safety. It looked like Pete and the staff were mixing a ton of guys in all over the place, but it’s something to keep an eye on as he tries to make the roster as a depth piece on the back end. I’m interested to see how much he plays in the preseason finale out in Arizona.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The Raiders hit the road for their preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals today, so no podcast for us.

But make sure you keep your eyes and ears peeled for Saturday’s post-game episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast after that game against the Cardinals.

Catch ya next time,

Silver & Black Sports Network is an independent media outlet. We are not affiliated with, endorsed, or sponsored by the Las Vegas Raiders or the NFL.

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