Texas Tech defensive lineman Tyree Wilson. Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Texans eyeing surprise defender with No. 2 pick?

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated Apr 26, 2023 1:31 PM ET

While the Carolina Panthers are set to draft their quarterback of the future with the No. 1 overall pick in Thursday’s draft, there’s a bit more intrigue regarding the Houston Texans and the No. 2 overall pick.

Once believed to be taking a quarterback, the Texans are reportedly now considering a pass rusher instead, and Fox Sports’ Peter Schrager recently stated on “the Pat McAfee Show” that it may not be the one you think.

“What I’ve heard as of late is that DeMeco Ryans’ formula is, ‘Get me a long, big defensive lineman that we can start working around’ because that is what they did in San Francisco year after year,” Schrager said. "The guy who is that (this year) is Tryee Wilson out of Texas Tech. Right now, I think he could be the odds-on favorite to go second overall as we’re 48 hours out.”

Schrager isn't the only one thinking Wilson will be the move for the Texans at No. 2. Peter King has the Texans taking the defensive lineman in his latest mock draft.

.@peter_king sees the Texans bolstering their defense with Tyree Wilson at pick No. 2. pic.twitter.com/l0obiR3ZOL
— NBC Sports EDGE Betting (@NBCSportsBet) April 25, 2023

Though many scouts and draft experts have Alabama defensive end Will Anderson Jr. rated higher, Wilson has seen his draft stock skyrocket over the last few weeks.

Yes, Wilson has registered only 14 sacks over the last two years, but he has a combined 27.5 tackles for loss and he led all Big 12 defenders with 50 QB pressures and a pass-rush win rate of 22 percent, per Pro Football Focus.

Last season, Houston had just one player — Jerry Hughes — who had more than 40 pressures, 30 hurries or five sacks.

“[Wilson] fits the DeMeco Ryan defense,” Schrager continued. “He’s a four-down lineman and he’s an absolute physical freak with an 86-inch wingspan.”

Michael Gallagher

Michael Gallagher is a longtime sports journalist based out of Nashville with a decade of experience covering college football, mixed martial arts and prep sports plus the NFL and NHL — specifically the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators. He’s covered several notable sporting events including an AFC Championship game, a Stanley Cup Final, an NHL All-Star Game and an NHL Stadium Series. Some of his past bylines can be found at the Nashville Scene, SB Nation, The Hockey News and Fox Sports Knoxville

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