NC State Newsstand: Where ESPN’s Matt Miller ranked the Pack’s NFL prospects
The NFL draft is in 10 days and NC State has a few players continuing to rise up pundits’ draft boards as the event approaches. ESPN’s Matt Miller released his big board ahead of the draft and he included six Wolfpack players on it.
Here’s a look at where each player ranked on Miller’s rankings:
LB Payton Wilson: No. 46 (No. 3 LB)
Professional comparison: Dallas Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch
2023 statistics: 138 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks, six passes defended, three interceptions
“The 2023 Butkus Award winner as the nation’s top linebacker, Wilson is a true three-down threat from the middle of the field,” Miller wrote. “In 2023, he totaled 6 sacks, 3 interceptions and 130 tackles. Wilson also ran a 4.43-second time in the 40-yard dash, showing his range and movement skills. However, there are injury concerns (shoulder, knee) with the 24-year-old that teams will need to evaluate.
Other rankings:
C Dylan McMahon: No. 275
2023 statistics: 10 games played, 621 snaps, 11 pressures allowed (nine hurries, one hit, one sack)
EDGE Savion Jackson: No. 337
2023 statistics: 40 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks
FB Trent Pennix: No. 467
2023 statistics: 15 receptions, 190 yards, three touchdowns. Two carries, 67 yards, one touchdown
LS Joe Shimko: No. 3 at position
2023 Patrick Mannelly Award winner
OT Anthony Belton: No. 404 – did not declare for draft, returned to NC State
2023 statistics: 12 games played, 811 snaps, 20 pressures allowed (18 hurries, two sacks)
Tweets of the day
Men’s and women’s basketball will hold a Final Four celebration tonight at the Belltower.
Wolfpack wideout Julian Gray intends to enter the transfer portal when it opens Tuesday
NC State baseball continues to climb in the RPI rankings after winning the series at Clemson this weekend.
Quote of the day
Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson High edge rusher Nikolas Alston scheduled an official visit to NC State. Here’s one thing he’s looking for in a school:
“Being a main guy, not an add on,” Alston said. “Being that guy that can help the program. That’s really what I’m looking for.”
Today’s top headlines
Nikolas Alston quickly schedules NC State official visit after picking up an offer
