The Pittsburgh Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan haven't shocked a soul with their approach during the first two days of the 2024 NFL Draft. Selections of offensive linemen Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier, as well as picking up University of Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson addressed crucial needs that the franchise had entering the big weekend. To round out day two, with the 98th overall selection (thanks to the Kenny Pickett trade with the Philadelphia Eagles), Khan and co. welcomed inside linebacker Payton Wilson from NC State to the Steelers.
Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today Sports
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan sits in front of the media to answer questions during his first NFL Scouting Combine as the head of the team's front office in 2023.
The pick may confuse fans due to the addition of Patrick Queen in free agency, but the health of Cole Holcomb is up in the air and Elandon Roberts is only under contract for one more season. It made sense to grab an athletic linebacker that could potentially work in the middle of the defense with Queen for, at a minimum, the next three seasons.
#Steelers select LB Payton Wilson at #98
— SteelerNation (@steelernation) April 27, 2024
The 2023 ACC Defensive Player of the Year was at NC State for five seasons and had 402 total tackles, 48 tackles for loss, 15 sacks and seven interceptions throughout his impressive collegiate career. Can you say play-maker? Payton Wilson is a downhill linebacker who has the ability to shoot gaps and get into the backfield. Realistically, if it weren't for concerns with his knee, the new Steeler would have been drafted much earlier.
Payton Wilson was a state wrestling champion in high school and fantastic lacrosse player as well. Mel Kiper Jr. mentioned on ESPN's draft show that he would have gone in the second round if it weren't for his knee injury concerns. The draft analyst also made it a point to say that Pittsburgh "got themselves a heck of a player."
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan picks up the phone in the team's war room during the 2023 NFL Draft weekend.
Payton Wilson had a top 30 visit with the Steelers, and not many linebackers received that interest from the organization. He fell down the board just enough for Khan and Tomlin to ultimately make the decision that he has too much potential to pass up.
Steelers Round Out Day Two Of 2024 NFL Draft After The "Khan Artist" Keeps Up Strong Reputation
Khan may have earned his nickname to do swindling teams with trades, but he also had a phenomenal draft in 2023 overall. He is quickly getting the fan base to fall in love with him and the head of the front office is beginning to prove that no rebuild is in sight for the organization. The goal is a Super Bowl championship, and the start to the 2024 NFL Draft doesn't seem like it will hurt the team with that mission in mind.
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Former NC State linebacker Payton Wilson looks to intercept a pass in a collegiate game against the North Carolina Tarheels.
Are you happy with how the Steelers drafted through the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments below!
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