The Pittsburgh Steelers made another strategic move in the NFL Draft, selecting North Carolina State linebacker Payton Wilson with the 98th overall pick in the third round. This acquisition excites Steelers fans who witnessed their linebacker room get depleted by injuries during the 2023 season.
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Payton Wilson runs on the field as a member of the Wolfpack.
The undeniable value presented by Wilson at 98 was simply too compelling for the Steelers to ignore, especially given the uncertainties surrounding Cole Holcomb's return. The Steelers have struggled at the inside linebacker position and getting a guy like Wilson should prove to be wise.
Brooke Pryor, a reporter who covers the Steelers for ESPN, shed light on Wilson's background, unveiling a fascinating connection between the new Steelers' linebacker and former Pittsburgh Head Coach Bill Cowher.
Payton Wilson is a big fan of Bill Cowher: "That's one of my idols, an NC State legend, someone who lives life the right way, on and off the field. His name's in the Ring of Honor at NC State, and he is one of the best coaches to ever coach in the game and one of the best…
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) April 27, 2024
While most recognize Cowher for his coaching prowess in Pittsburgh, Wilson's admiration stems from Cowher's days as a formidable linebacker at NC State, where he left an indelible mark from 1975 to 1978. Cowher is a member of the Wolfpack's Ring of Honor. Wilson's deep-seated fandom for Cowher adds an extra layer of excitement to his journey with the Steelers.
During Cowher's tenure as a linebacker for the Wolfpack, he secured his place in school history, ranking seventh in tackles all-time. His remarkable achievement of 195 stops during the 1978 season remains unchallenged as a single-season record. Notably, he achieved two remarkable 24-tackle games, against South Carolina in 1977 and Clemson in 1978, placing him second in the record books for these outstanding performances.
Wilson's collegiate career speaks volumes about his talent and dedication to the game. Garnering accolades such as the 2023 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Wilson has consistently showcased his prowess as a playmaker on the field. His impressive stats reflect his impact, boasting an impressive 402 total tackles, 48 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, and seven interceptions over his five seasons in college.
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Despite his undeniable talent, Wilson's draft trajectory took an unexpected turn due to concerns surrounding his injury history. While other teams may have been hesitant, the Steelers demonstrated unwavering confidence in Wilson's abilities and his potential to overcome past setbacks. They view him not only as a valuable addition to their linebacker corps but also as a promising asset on special teams.
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Former NC State linebacker Payton Wilson looks to intercept a pass in a collegiate game against the North Carolina Tarheels.
With Wilson poised to enter the star-studded Steelers linebacker room, competition for a spot will undoubtedly be fierce. However, his combination of skill, determination, and admiration for the game ensures that he will approach this challenge with tenacity and a desire to make a significant impact.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan picks up the phone in the team's war room during the 2023 NFL Draft weekend.
As Steelers fans eagerly await the upcoming season, the addition of Wilson promises to inject excitement and anticipation into the team's defensive lineup. The Steelers have had a draft where everything seemed to go their way. Omar Khan had a successful draft in 2023 and it appears as if he's carried that momentum with him to the 2024 draft.
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