Could Tyree Wilson Fit DeMeco Ryans Texans 'Formula' at No. 2?

Originally posted on FanNation Texans Daily
By Connor Zimmerlee | Last updated 4/26/23

We are just over 48 hours from the start of the NFL draft and still lack any certainty about what the Houston Texans will do when they are on the clock with the second overall pick.

More and more reports continue to come out that they're likely to pass on a quarterback at No. 2 and either go defense or look to trade down the board to a quarterback-needy team to gain even more draft capital.

Should they do the former, though, the two defensive prospects they've been linked to the most are EDGE Tyree Wilson out of Texas Tech and outside linebacker Will Anderson Jr. from Alabama.

While there will undoubtedly be plenty of debate and speculation around the pick until Roger Goodell announces it, NFL analyst Peter Schrager was recently on the Pat McAfee and warned against completely writing off a quarterback to Houston at No. 2

"Everyone's already got on this narrative that (C.J.) Stroud isn't going to go second overall," Schrager said. "It still very much could happen. Nick Caserio has kept this close to the vest."

"I would just say take caution in thinking anything is in stone with the Houston Texans."

Schrager, of course, is referring to the aforementioned reports that have the Texans looking in a different direction than quarterback. However, while quarterback could very well be the pick, Schrager believes defense is the likely direction for the Texans.

"What I've heard as of late, though, is that the DeMeco Ryans formula is 'Get me a long, big defensive lineman that we can start working around,'" Schrager said. "That is what they did in San Francisco year after year after year in the draft."

"It was Solomon Thomas, DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead. Then it was (Nick) Bosa and then Javon Kinlaw. The guy who is that is Tyree Wilson out of Texas Tech."

The Texans certainly need help on defense which the addition of Wilson would add in a hurry. His final season at Texas Tech saw Wilson record 61 total tackles with 14 tackles for loss and seven sacks, which could help transition smoothly into Ryans' defense.

"It's the DeMeco Ryans defense," Schrager said. "Four-down lineman, and he's an absolute physical freak with an 86-inch wingspan out of Texas Tech, Tyree Wilson."

It may seem like the safe pick for Houston is to get its quarterback and worry about the rest later, especially with a second pick in the first round at No. 12. However, if they aren't 100 percent sold on Stroud or another quarterback, going defense might be a prudent move, with Wilson certainly a name to keep an eye on when the Texans are on the clock.

You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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This article first appeared on FanNation Texans Daily and was syndicated with permission.

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