NC State Newsstand: LB Payton Wilson ‘an absolute steal’ for Pittsburgh Steelers
NC State linebacker Payton Wilson slipped in the NFL draft last week, likely due to his list of previous injuries and a report saying he only has one ACL. But despite that, the Wolfpack’s impact defender was selected 98th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round Friday night.
ESPN’s Matt Miller joined ACC Network’s ACCPM Monday afternoon and he talked about Wilson’s selection in the draft.
“Fantastic placement, he’s exactly what they need in the middle of the defense,” Miller said. “Payton’s production and impact over the last two years, he was the best linebacker in college football. This is a classic Pittsburgh Steelers move, to just draft good football players.”
Wilson, the Bednarik and Butkus Award winner, logged 138 total tackles, including 17.5 for a loss, with six sacks, six passes defended, three interceptions and a forced fumble this past season.
The 6-foot-4, 238-pound linebacker closed his NC State career with 403 career tackles, the fifth-most in program history. He also finished his time in Raleigh with 15 total sacks, 13 passes defended, seven interceptions and one defensive touchdown (a pick-six against Clemson this past season)
Miller, a longtime NFL draft expert, thought Wilson’s slide benefitted whoever was going to take him late in the third round after what he had put on film the last two seasons in Raleigh.
“Payton Wilson was the best linebacker in college football last year, arguably the last two years,” Miller said. “I think the Steelers are getting an absolute steal where they selected him in the third round.”
Tweets of the day
Wolfpack guard Jayden Taylor will officially play his senior season at NC State.
NC State women’s basketball signee Zamareya Jones was impressive at the Jordan Brand Classic.
The Pack is hosting both the men’s and women’s tennis first rounds of the NCAA Tournament.
Quote of the day
NC State junior catcher Jacob Cozart has been on a hot hitting tear as of late. He said it was a byproduct of playing for the rest of the team.
“Going down the stretch, we’re going through a gauntlet of a schedule,” Cozart said. “I’m just doing what I can to help these guys get to the next level, keep on winning and get us to the postseason.”
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