PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Payton Wilson was not shy after the Steelers selected him in the third round on April 26. ‘I think that I'm one of the most productive players in this year's draft’. Now that he will be in Pittsburgh for rookie mini-camp this weekend. Where is the fit?
Trading for Patrick Queen, he will be one of the inside starting linebackers and Elandon Roberts most likely will be the other. The 30-year-old is in the final year of his contract, showing a lot playing through injury gutting out 101 tackles last season and earning the respect of his teammates.
When asked after the draft about the 6’4”, 235-pound Wilson playing alongside Queen, Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin was quick to slow the roll.
“Right now we just want to get him in here and kind of get him up to speed on what we do, where he fits and how he fits will be determined by him,” Austin said. “Once he gets in here and learns what he does, and then we'll see how he does and how fast he is able to earn a spot.”
Predictably, as most rookies will tell you they are ready to play right away, Wilson said he’s a good fit.
“I think that just my versatility kind of speaks for itself,” Wilson said. “I think I'm able to play in the box as well as drop into coverage. Growing up, just watching the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. That's kind of the way that I modeled the way I play. Just hard and fast and physical and playing as tough as you can play. Just super excited to get with everyone there and continue to elevate my game.”
Knee injuries dating back to high school were a concern for some teams, as were shoulder surgeries. The last two seasons, he’s not only played in every game but NC State defensive coordinator Tony Gibson told the Fan Morning Show he went through every rep in practice.
The numbers would speak to a steal.
In winning the Chuck Bednarik and Butkus awards, Wilson averaged 11.5 tackles a game, had 17.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, three interceptions, a forced fumble and six passes defensed in 2023. Add it up for the last two years-220 tackles, 30 TFL, 10.5 sacks, four interceptions, nine passes defensed and two fumble recoveries.
Wilson said he’s been able to stay healthy these last two years after changing the way he lived his life. He sticks to a maintenance program and watches his nutrition.
“I can be one of the best linebackers in the NFL,”. Wilson said.
Austin doesn’t doubt the speed, ability to cover guys, his read-and-react and said Wilson also brings some physicality. He’ll likely show that at first on special teams, where he could be an impact player, but that role should grow over time.
“He's one of the guys that loves football,” Austin said. “I think that's one of the characteristics we look forward to from those guys because it's a tough game and the way he likes football, he is a good leader on his team. All those things are attractive, and I think he can bring that to us.”
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