The Pittsburgh Steelers utilized their acquired pick from the Kenny Pickett trade to select North Carolina State linebacker Payton Wilson with the 98th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite being regarded as one of the top linebackers in the class, Wilson experienced a drop in his draft stock due to concerns surrounding his injury history.
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Payton Wilson runs onto the field with NC State.
One of the primary apprehensions surrounding Wilson was his extensive surgical history, compounded by the absence of an ACL in his right knee. Many pundits speculated that, had he been injury-free, Wilson would have been the first linebacker off the board in the draft.
While injuries always raise red flags, individuals with significant medical backgrounds inherently pose greater risks. Nonetheless, the Steelers meticulously assessed the situation and deemed Wilson a risk worth taking in the third round. The Steelers' decision to draft Wilson has been met with widespread praise from fans and analysts alike, with many lauding the team for securing a steal.
Notably, former Carolina Panthers star linebacker Luke Kuechly drew parallels between Wilson and himself, a comparison that carries immense weight given Kuechly's status as one of the premier linebackers in recent memory. Kuechly discussed the comparison between himself and the new Steelers linebacker during an appearance on the Up and Adams Show with Kay Adams on Monday.
“There’s a guy that I loved watching for a long time up at NC State, Payton Wilson. He ran extremely well. He was in the 4.4’s and he’s been super productive and he plays really hard. He’s taller than me and he’s faster than me and he’s going to be in the NFL, so I’m jealous of those guys. Look at him run right there. He’s got great hair and he’s jacked. He looks good.”
Kuechly's endorsement of Wilson doesn't go unnoticed; it carries significant weight. If Wilson can even achieve half of what Kuechly accomplished, this draft pick will be considered a resounding success.
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Former Panthers LB Luke Kuechly running off the field.
Wilson's accolades speak volumes—he clinched the Chuck Bednarik Defensive Player of the Year Award and the Butkus Award for the nation's top linebacker. Additionally, he earned first-team All-American honors and was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year. His penchant for making tackles was evident throughout his college career, with double-digit tackles in nine of his final 12 games.
Wilson's college performance was nothing short of exceptional. A versatile and speedy linebacker, he amassed impressive stats during his six-year tenure with the Wolfpack, totaling 402 tackles, including 202 solo tackles, along with 48 tackles for a loss and 15 sacks.
Now, the question lingers: can Wilson maintain his health and earn his place in Pittsburgh? The Steelers made a significant addition this offseason by acquiring Patrick Queen, a standout linebacker who has already established himself as one of the league's best. The hope is that Wilson can eventually share the field with Queen. However, it's likely that he'll start his Steelers journey as a special teams player, gradually working his way up the ranks.
Steelers Linebacker Room Is Filled With Talent
In Pittsburgh, Wilson finds himself amidst a highly talented and competitive linebacker corps. With standouts like Queen, TJ Watt, and Alex Highsmith leading the charge, the linebacker room boasts considerable depth. However, the dynamics of the group are still evolving.
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Pittsburgh Steelers edge rushers TJ Watt (#90) and Alex Highsmith (#56) celebrate a sack.
Cole Holcomb had been a productive force for the Steelers until sidelined by a serious injury. With uncertainty surrounding his return timeline, the decision to draft Wilson may have been influenced by this void.
The Steelers also drafted Nick Herbig in 2023, whose rookie season showed promise. Mark Robinson and Elandon Roberts add further depth, presenting a formidable lineup. Yet, the competition for playing time among Robinson, Roberts, Wilson, and Herbig is likely to be intense.
The potential return of Holcomb would significantly bolster the Steelers' lineup. Nonetheless, Wilson has the opportunity to make an immediate impact as a rookie and establish himself as a cornerstone for years to come.
As the offseason progresses, the Steelers may face difficult decisions regarding their linebacker roster, with Robinson possibly on the chopping block. Steelers fans eagerly await Wilson's development and the evolution of the linebacker unit.
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