Steelers Hit The Jackpot With Payton Wilson “As Long As He Can Stay Healthy”

When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected linebacker Payton Wilson with the 98th pick in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, it sparked excitement among fans and analysts around the league. Wilson had been a standout at NC State from 2018 to 2023, establishing himself as a dominant force in college football. In 2023, he emerged as one of the nation's top defensive players, winning both the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Butkus Award, underscoring his status as the best defensive player and linebacker in the country.

Wilson's outstanding performance earned him unanimous All-American honors, and he was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year. His consistency on the field was further highlighted by being named a first-team All-ACC selection twice, in 2020 and again in 2023, cementing his legacy as one of the most impactful players in the conference.

Many experts considered Wilson one of the top linebackers in the draft. However, concerns about his injury history allowed him to slip to the Steelers in the third round—a stroke of fortune for Pittsburgh. In the Steelers' 20-12 loss to the Houston Texans during their first preseason game, Wilson was a standout performer. Despite the team's loss, Wilson's productive outing was a bright spot, showcasing his potential to be a key contributor to the Steelers' defense.

Garrett Podell of CBS Sports did the heavy lifting for football fans, breaking down the highs, lows, and everything in between for each NFL team’s preseason opener. In his analysis surrounding the Steelers, Podell singled out Wilson as a standout performer for his efforts against the Texans, naming him one of the big winners of the week.

"N.C. State linebacker Payton Wilson dropped in the 2024 NFL Draft to the Steelers in the third round not because of ability, but rather his injury history," wrote Podell. "However, he balled out against the Texans with a game-high seven tackles, playing the run extremely well and not looking out of place in coverage. As long as he can stay healthy, the Steelers got themselves another defensive rising star on their hands."

Wilson was everywhere on the field during the game, looking every bit like the player he was in college—always the first to the ball. It seemed that wherever the football went, Wilson was in the mix. 

His speed and ability to track the ball carrier were on full display as he recorded seven tackles, five of them solo. It was an exciting debut for Wilson, who has the potential to become a top linebacker in the NFL if he can stay healthy, though concerns about his injury history will always linger.

Many Steelers fans are eager to see what role Wilson will play as a rookie. Given his extensive college experience, he should transition smoothly to the NFL. The Steelers' unofficial depth chart currently lists Wilson as the second-string left inside linebacker behind Patrick Queen.

Steelers' Payton Wilson Likely To Make An Impact As A Rookie

Wilson is expected to see significant time on special teams during the regular season, where his work ethic and speed will be valuable assets. Fans also hope to see him getting reps with the linebackers, as his energy and quick learning ability could make him an impact player in 2024.

Wilson will look to build upon his solid debut as the Steelers take on the Buffalo Bills Saturday in their next preseason game. Staying healthy is key for Wilson, but if he can, he has the potential to be a cornerstone of the Steelers' defense for years to come.

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