What they’re saying about NC State LB Payton Wilson to the Pittsburgh Steelers

NC State linebacker Payton Wilson was selected with the 98th overall draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday night in Detroit. 

Here is what those that covered the draft are saying about Wilson. 

Noah Fleischman, The Wolfpacker — Why the Pittsburgh Steelers took NC State LB Payton Wilson in the NFL draft

“Just before he was selected, a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Wilson only had one ACL. The injury question seemed to diminish his draft stock, but he just needed a team to take a chance on him. 

“He’s got a shoulder and a knee injury on the ledger, which is why he’s still hanging around,” ESPN’s Field Yates said during the draft broadcast. “I know he has to hold up medically, but that tape was as good as there was for any inside backer in this class.”

That tape was all Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Teryl Austin was worried about on draft night. 

“I look at the tape that I see,” Austin told reporters in Pittsburgh. “I let the doctors handle all the medical stuff. My job is to grade the tape as a football player and what I think and how he helps our defense. He brings some speed to our defense, he brings some physicality to our defense, an ability to cover guys. That’s what I look at.”

Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports — 2024 NFL Draft grades, third round: Steelers earn A- for stopping Payton Wilson’s fall

“Grade: A-

First-round film. Do-it-all LB. Coverage skills are awesome. Elite athlete. Ball production was there in college. Range, block-sifting skill. Blitzing. Fine tackler too. Just older, incredibly short arms and vast injury history. Very Steelers pick.”

Jeff Kerr, CBS Sports — Overreactions, reality checks for Day 2 of NFL Draft: Bills get next WR1? Steelers land Pro-Bowler in Round 3?

“Payton Wilson will be a Pro Bowler with the Steelers? Overreaction or reality: Reality

How did Wilson fall all the way to No. 98 in the first place? Reports came out just prior to the Steelers taking Wilson that one of his knees doesn’t have an ACL. Wilson was still able to rack up tackles and never missed a game, showing a presence all over the field. 

Wilson should thrive in Teryl Austin’s defense as an immediate starter in Pittsburgh. He ran a 4.4 40-yard dash despite having no ACL and is an athletic freak. If Wilson stays healthy, he’s a Pro Bowler at the very least.”

Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — Steelers take C Zach Frazier, WR Roman Wilson and LB Payton Wilson, fill biggest needs on Day 2 of draft

“Payton Wilson (6-foot-4, 233 pounds) won the Chuck Bednarik Defensive Player of the Year award and the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker in 2023. He was a unanimous All-American selection, but his draft stock slipped because he has been plagued by injuries since high school. His brother, Bryse, is an MLB pitcher who made 28 starts for the Pirates in 2021-’22.

“He brings some speed to our defense. He brings physicality to our defense, to cover guys,” defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. “When you watch his tape, you say, ‘That guy’s fast.’ He can really go.”

Jarrett Bailey, Behind The Steel Curtain  — Immediate analysis: Grading the Steelers’ selection of LB Payton Wilson

“While in Mobile for Senior Bowl week, multiple folks I spoke with said that Wilson is the smartest defensive player in this class, and one of the smarter linebackers they’ve seen in quite some time.

In 2023, Wilson had 92 tackles, and was one of the best coverage linebackers in the nation, intercepting three passes and allowed a passer rating of just 47.2 when he was targeted. He also had 41 run stops.

The Steelers had a lot of questions of the health and return of Cole Holcomb, and lacked any sort of depth behind Elandon Roberts and Patrick Queen- they now have a guy who, if he stays healthy, will be a future starter and anchor of the Steelers’ defense. This is a pick with tremendous upside should Wilson reach his potential.”

Dale Lolley, PittsburghSteelers.com — How he fits: Payton Wilson

“Wilson will join a Steelers inside linebacker room that includes holdovers Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb and Mark Robinson, as well as free agent signee Patrick Queen, a second-team All-Pro a year ago with the Ravens.

His addition does give the Steelers another potential rotational player in case Holcomb, who suffered a severe leg injury last season, isn’t ready to play at the start of the 2024 season.

Wilson also figures to be a force on special teams with his ability to run and hit.”