The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of one of their most entertaining offseasons in quite a while. Part of the new excitement comes from the recent stellar draft class. Third rounder out of North Carolina State, Payton Wilson will be joining a Steelers defense that has a loaded linebacker group. Wilson fell deep in the draft due to his injury history, but may end up becoming the biggest steal. Wilson has been learning from guys like Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb, and Patrick Queen especially.
Steelers.com
Steelers' third rounder Payton Wilson getting some work in at OTAs.
Wilson collected over 400 tackles, 15 sacks, and seven interceptions during his time at NC State. He was also awarded as the nation's top linebacker by winning the Butkus Award in 2023. Wilson's speed is what makes him so dangerous on the field. You'll see the speedster flying all over the field making tackles, and tackling has continued to be an issue for the Steelers' defense over the years.
Wilson came into Pittsburgh after the draft with a lot of confidence. He's impressed his coaches already and has been receiving tons of feedback and encouragement. Steelers Inside Linebackers Coach Aaron Curry recently said how Wilson reminds him of Bobby Wagner.
As the team's minicamp wrapped up, Wilson was asked about his learning experiences with Queen so far. Queen spent the first four years on a rookie contract with the Baltimore Ravens, but decided he wanted to move on and come play for the Black and Gold. Both Queen and Wilson have been in a new territory over the last couple of months, but Wilson says Queen has been a great mentor thus far.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen runs a drill while working on a sled during the team's 2024 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in Pittsburgh, PA.
Pittsburgh reporter Aaron Becker interviewed Wilson and asked him what he's learned from Queen after their first month together.
#Steelers rookie LB Payton Wilson on what he’s learned from LB Patrick Queen.
— Aaron Becker (@Aaron_M_Becker) June 13, 2024
“Just little things. … Just kind of being in his hip pocket like, ‘Hey man, what did you see to do this?’ He’s so smart that he’s able to kind of manipulate a quarterback.” pic.twitter.com/t2CIooeWJW
Wilson spoke about his excitement for training camp and his goal with the Steelers to the media. Wilson, like many other players, is super stoked to get to Latrobe.
"Yeah, they said it's one of the hardest camps in the league. But I'm blue-collar. I grew up on a farm. I'm super excited to kind of put the ball down and just play ball. I'm just super excited to get to Latrobe and compete. Like I said, since I was a youngin', I want to be the best in the world. I'm gonna come in and I'm gonna help this team win a Super Bowl."
Wilson will be a great depth piece in the middle linebacker group for 2024, and could turn into something much bigger beyond that. Depth at linebacker is crucial in today's league, considering how many injuries the Steelers suffered there last season.
Steelers' Patrick Queen Wearing The Green Dot
Queen will be receiving the play calls from the Steelers sideline and will report it to his teammates on the field. Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin called Queen a "really sharp football player" when he revealed who will be wearing the green dot. Queen will serve as Pittsburgh's number one middle linebacker, ahead of Roberts, Wilson, and Holcomb once he fully returns from his ACL injury.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (#6) runs on the field as the team warms up prior to a 2024 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) workout.
Queen, Wilson, and Roberts are going to lock down the middle of the field for the Steelers. The additions of Queen and Wilson will speak for itself when the team has one of the best defenses in the league again in 2024.
What do you think of Wilson and how he's learning from Queen? Could we potentially see multiple Steelers linebackers earn a Pro Bowl nod? Let us know in the comments.
#SteelerNation
