Tag: Payton Wilson

Steelers land third-most athletic class in 2024 NFL draft

The Steelers last two drafts have been among the best in the NFL thanks to keying on the most athletic prospects.

Last year, with General Manager Omar Khan and assistant GM Andy Weidl in charge of the Pittsburgh Steelers NFL draft, we saw a huge shift in the Steelers draft philosophy. We saw a huge emphasis on overall athleticism and it really paid off.

2024 was a repeat performance as the Steelers front office landed the third-most athletic draft class in the NFL based On RAS. RAS stands for Relative Athletic Score and is an objective system set up by Kent Lee Platte to compare prospects based on hard data.

We project that offensive tackle Troy Fautanu and center Zach Frazier will both be in the Steelers starting lineup on opening weekend. We also expect wide receiver Roman Wilson and linebacker Payton Wilson will both be in heavy rotation from the beginning as well as they find their fit in the system.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

2024 NFL draft: Grading the pick of LB Payton Wilson

We love the value and potential of LB Payton Wilson in the first round.

As someone who dedicates a tremendous amount of time studying NFL draft prospects, when I see a player I grade very high start to tumble, I have to wonder what I missed. In most cases, it is related to information the public isn’t always privy to, such as injuries.

This was the case as I watched North Carolina State linebacker Payton Wilson slide. Other linebackers were being drafted and I know they did not have the film or have the skills of Wilson. So why did it happen to allow the Pittsburgh Steelers to snag him at the end of the third round of the 2024 NFL draft?

According to the analysts on the television broadcast, it was because Wilson has been playing without an ACL since tearing it two years in a row. But all you have to do is put on the tape and understand that the lack of an ACL has done nothing to slow him down.

Wilson won’t need to start as a rookie with Patrick Queen and Elandon Roberts as the starter but he is simply too good to keep off the field all year. We give this pick an A and can’t wait to see how the Steelers use his diverse set of skills and ridiculous athleticism.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

2024 NFL draft: Steelers select LB Payton Wilson in third round

The Steelers got a bargain at linebacker with Payton Wilson in the third round.

With each passing pick, we wondered which team would roll the dice on North Carolina State linebacker Payton Wilson. A whole lot of off-ball linebackers came off the board before Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers just waiting for their opportunity to snatch him up with their second pick in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft.

Wilson is a ridiculously athletic linebacker who Was the Butkus and Bednarik Award winner and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He fills up the box score like no other defender in the draft.

Wilson ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at 233 pounds at the scouting combine and North Carolina State didn’t hesitate to use Wilson inside and outside. For Wilson, staying healthy will be the key and the only reason he fell to the end of the third round. Two torn ACLs for a guy with his level of athleticism raised some concerns but when you put on the film, you see no issues with any old injuries.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

When do the RBs and LBs start getting drafted on Day 2?

When do the RBs and LBs start getting drafted on Day 2 after no prospects from either position were selected in the first round?

The first round of the 2024 NFL draft saw six quarterbacks and nine offensive linemen selected, both records for any individual draft. The overload at those positions led to some other positions being overlooked on Day 1.

Namely, running back and linebacker.

There wasn’t a single running back selected in the first 32 picks, nor did any linebackers come off the board. That figures to change on Day 2, but how quickly?

It might take several picks before the first linebacker hears his name called. Whether it’s Edgerrin Cooper from Texas A&M, Payton Wilson of North Carolina State or Michigan’s Junior Colson, the first off-ball LB likely won’t be among the first handful of picks. The shift to a base nickel defense package removed one starting LB spot from most every team, and a recent supply of good draft classes at linebacker has also diminished demand in 2024.

Prediction for LBs

Cooper or Wilson gets the nod in the 40-45 overall range, and then the top grouping will all come off over the span of the next 20 or so picks. That group also includes North Carolina’s Cedric Gray.

There is a separate problem at running back. Several prospects at the position are generally lumped together in the rankings and big boards. Jonathon Brooks from Texas might be No. 1 for one team but sixth on another. The same is true for Trey Benson from Florida State and Jaylen Wright from Tennessee.

That sort of “dealer’s choice” at a well-stocked supply of prospects could mean teams opt to pull the trigger and land their guy. But because of the relative depth of the class, a team that might need another position just a little more might look at (perceived) Day 3 options like Isaac Guerendo from Louisville, Dylan Laube of New Hampshire or Marshall’s Rasheen Ali and not find as much of a dropoff as they would at other positions from Day 2 to Day 3.

Prediction for RBs

Brooks and Benson each come off the board in the 50s, and then there’s a gap into the later realms of the third round. And then we’ll see a relative deluge of RBs in the fourth and fifth rounds as teams work their way down “need” lists to a deep running back class.

[lawrence-related id=652590]

NC State All-American LB Payton Wilson visits Texans for top 30 visit

Payton Wilson, one of the top linebacker prospects in the upcoming draft, recently visited the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.

Linebacker has been a position linked to the Houston Texans as a potential Day 2 option. General manager Nick Caserio might know what type of player he’s looking for up the middle.

North Carolina State linebacker Payton Wilson recently visited the Texans for a top 30 visit, according to KPRC2 Sports Aaron Wilson. Payton Wison is expected to be one of the first linebackers selected after three dominant seasons with the Wolf Pack.

Wilson dominated in his final season at NC State, earning All-American honors while winning ACC Defensive Player of the Year. In 13 games, Wilson totaled 138 tackles, 17.5 for loss, six sacks, three interceptions, a defensive touchdown and a forced fumble.

The fifth-year senior was more than a one-year phenom in Raleigh. In 2020, he recorded 108 tackles, 11.5 for loss, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions. A year later, he notched 82 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and one interception.

Wilson also won the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s top overall defensive player. He also led the ACC in tackles in both 2020 and 2023.

At last month’s combine, Wilson solidified his draft stock as a top-three linebacker prospect, posting a 40-time of 4.33 seconds. He also posted a 34.5-inch vertical leap and a 9-foot-11 broad jump.

The Texans addressed the starting linebacker needs with the acquisition of former Titans’ standout Azeez Al-Shaair. They also return Christian Harris following a breakout season.

Second-year coach DeMeco Ryans will implement three linebacker sets. Outside of Al-Shaair and Harris, Henry To’oTo’o is the only player with a decent rep count.

The Texans, who own nine picks in next week’s draft, also hosted former Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper on a visit earlier this month.

Draft history indicates type of LB Cowboys are looking for

Looking at size and athletic testing can help determine which LB prospects fit the Cowboys. | From @ReidDHanson

Everyone has a type; a type of car, a type of ice cream and even a type of significant other. The Cowboys are certainly no exception. They too have types when they embark in roster building.

Dallas still needs to replenish the ranks at linebacker this offseason and with most of the premium options in free agency off the board, it’s likely they’ll turn to draft to satisfy those needs. 2024 isn’t a very rich draft in LB talent but it does offer a range of options at various stages in the process. The Cowboys shouldn’t feel obligated to address it early unless a specific prospect truly compels them to.

It’s been reported they’ve had official 30-visits from LBs such as Payton Wilson, Junior Colson, Edgerrin Cooper, Jordan Magee, Nathaniel Watson and Trevin Wallace. With so many notable prospects, it’s clear Dallas has prioritized the LB position in their scouting this year. Size, skill, and athleticism will all play into the decision as to which prospects the Cowboys will hunt and which prospects they’ll scratch off their list.

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

Looking at measurements and testing from the Cowboys’ previous LB draft picks it can be determined what thresholds they’re looking at when making these determinations. Arjun Menon collected data going back to 2011 to gain insight into these thresholds. For Dallas it’s clear they really do have a type at LB.

Height, not so surprisingly, headlines the list of unique LB traits for the Cowboys. At an average height of 74.6 inches (6-foot-2), Dallas is second in the NFL, trailing only New Orleans. Weight is similarly an important trait for the Cowboys with an average weight of 243.8. While EDGE players like Micah Parsons might skew the stats a little in these categories, it’s still clear the Cowboys like big LBs patrolling the second level.

Of the scouted LBs listed above, none appear to be overwhelmingly imposing in stature. Falling between 228 pounds and 238 pounds and standing between 6-foot-1 and 6-foot-4, most miss Dallas’ typical size thresholds.

The Cowboys also seem to value three-cone times in their LB prospects. Most of their picks since 2011 have finished in plus territory here, indicating agility and change of direction are important to them as well.

With a 6.85 three-cone time, Wilson stands out above most in this regard. Many of the others decided to forgo agility testing but it’s assumed Wallace would score well given his other athletic numbers.

The Cowboys are clearly scouting this LB class heavily but besides Wilson, no one truly jumps out as a true Cowboys-type of LB. It’s safe to assume given the needs at the position and number of prospects scouted, the Cowboys won’t be overly hung up on measurables like they may have been in the past. But they will still play a part because the Cowboys, like everyone else, have a “type.”

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers bring in OL Graham Barton, LB Payton Wilson for pre-draft visits

The Steelers continued their pre-draft visits with Graham Barton and Payton Wilson on Tuesday.

With the NFL draft (finally) going down next week, the Pittsburgh Steelers pre-draft visits continue.

On Tuesday, it’s Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton and NC State linebacker Payton Wilson.

Barton, a projected first-round prospect, has often been mocked to the Steelers this offseason. Standing at 6-foot-5, most of Barton’s collegiate experience comes at left tackle with only six games at center, but many believe the latter will be his position as a pro.

It’s a foregone conclusion that Pittsburgh will be taking a player at both positions in the early rounds. The Steelers love versatility in their offensive lineman and Barton certainly fits the bill.

Pittsburgh also needs depth at linebacker, and Wilson could be that guy. According to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo, he’s the first inside linebacker to visit the Steelers. There are questions beyond Patrick Queen with Elandon Roberts entering the final year of his contract and Cole Holcomb facing an uphill battle to return from injury.

Injuries plagued his first four seasons at NC State, but Wilson was injury-free in the final two. In 2023, he produced 138 tackles, six sacks, and three interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 22, NC State LB Payton Wilson

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview is NC State linebacker Payton Wilson.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.

As it stands right now the Green Bay Packers have Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie and Eric Wilson as the notable linebackers on the roster. It’s a safe bet that Brian Gutekunst will use one of those five picks in the Top 100 on a linebacker.

A potential target is Payton Wilson. The North Carolina State linebacker checks in at No. 22 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

A four-star recruit, Wilson recorded 69 tackles, five tackles for loss and one interception after he redshirted in 2018. The following season, the North Carolina native recorded 108 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions. Wilson played in just two games during the 2020 season after suffering a shoulder injury. 

In 2022, Wilson recorded 82 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and one interception. Wilson was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year after he recorded 138 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, three interceptions and six pass deflections.

“He was the heartbeat of our defense and football team,” Tony Gibson, the NC State linebackers coach, said. “His leadership set the tone every day on and off the field. His practice habits and effort were as good as I have ever seen in my 30 years of coaching. He was the best linebacker in college football and in my opinion the best defensive player in the country.”

Wilson plays like his hair is on fire. He’s like the Tasmanian Devil on the gridiron. He has strong hands and a high batting average as a tackler. Once he gets his hands on the opponent he’s taking them to the ground. Over the past two seasons, Wilson was tagged with just 12 missed tackles. 

Wilson has sideline-to-sideline range and is quick to erase any running lanes.  He has exceptional closing burst and takes appropriate angles to hunt down his prey. Watching the NC State linebacker in pursuit is like watching the National Geographic Channel. 

The former four-star recruit shows good instincts and always seems to be in on the action. He explodes downhill and finished the past two seasons with 30 tackles for loss. 

“He’s a very smart player so he understands how teams tried to attack us in the run game,” Gibson said. “He is also a very physical player and loves contact. He has the mindset that if he doesn’t make the tackle the play will go for a touchdown.”

Wilson has the movement skills to hold up in coverage. He has outstanding lateral agility and shows he can flip his hips and run downfield. 

Movement skills to hold up in coverage. He has outstanding lateral agility. He gets appropriate depth in his drops. He trusts his eyes and finished the past two seasons with four interceptions and nine pass deflections.

Wilson is also a very effective blitzer. During his final two seasons at NC State, he recorded 10.5 sacks and 51 pressures.

“He will be elite in coverage because of how athletic he is,” Gibson said. “He also can run in man coverage with any tight end in the NFL. In zone coverage he has great awareness and length and can break on the ball.”

It was no surprise that Wilson put on a show at the NFL Scouting Combine. A former multi-sport athlete, Wilson clocked a 4.43 40-yard dash. At his Pro Day, Wilson clocked a 4.20 short shuttle and a 6.85 three-cone. 

Wilson logged 287 snaps on special teams during his time at NC State and recorded six tackles.

Fit with the Packers

If the Packers feel comfortable with Wilson’s medicals, he could prove to be a steal on Day 2 of the draft.

The NC State linebacker is an alien athlete, who plays like he was the turbo button smashed down at all times. 

“The effort that he plays with and the passion he has for football are reasons why I would draft Wilson,” Gibson said. “He makes players around him better by the way he plays.”

Wilson closed out his collegiate career with a bang. He was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and earned the Butkus Award, which recognizes the best linebacker in college football.

If it weren’t for his medical history and to a certain extent his age (24), he’d be heralded by many draft pundits as a first-round talent. 

Wilson is an explosive athlete and has a well-rounded skill set that could see him develop into a four-down force. With the Packers having four Day 2 picks and a desperate need for another impact linebacker, Wilson to Green Bay makes a ton of sense. 

2024 NFL Draft: North Carolina State LB Payton Wilson scouting report

North Carolina LB Payton Wilson is an ideal three-down defender at the NFL level, capable of just about everything a linebacker can do.

The winner of the 2023 Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker, the 2023 Bednarik Award as the nation’s best defensive player, and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Payton Wilson was a four-star recruit out of Orange High School in Hillsborough, North Carolina. He missed his freshman season of 2018 due to knee injuries, but came on in 2019, and never looked back. In the Wolfpack’s 2023 season, Wilson totaled six sacks, 22 total pressures, 92 solo tackles, 67 stops, and he allowed 24 catches on 37 targets for 221 yards, 164 yards after the catch, no touchdowns, three interceptions, three pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 47.2.
Linebackers have been devalued to a degree in the NFL, but linebackers like Wilson, who has such impressive and efficient versatility, don’t come around every day, either.

PLUSES

— Depending on where he’s aligned pre-snap, can cover everywhere from the flat to hook/curl. An instinctive natural in coverage.

— Can rush the quarterback off-ball and on the line of scrimmage. Has the speed to chase down mobile quarterbacks all over the field, and can even get a little bendy around the edge.

— Gap-shooting expert who will quickly cross the faces of blockers, and moves to the ballcarrier in a hurry.

— Reacts quickly and intelligently to fakes and misdirection to the line of scrimmage; you can tell that he has a quick-twitch brain.

— Reads the quarterback well enough to break off of his first responsibility and deal with whatever he wasn’t expecting.

MINUSES

— Tends to live on a straight line in pursuit; occasionally, he’ll get waylaid by bigger guys whomping him from the side.

— Can cover tight ends up the seam, but he’s better near the line of scrimmage. More a true linebacker than a big safety.

— Hell-bent style of play will occasionally have him whiffing mightily in the open field.

— Decent recovery speed for his position, but he really needs to be on his target from the snap.

— Gets his tackles in the backfield more from quickness and gap understanding than pure power; he’s not your ideal guy for “Jacked Up!” highlights.

If you like Frankie Luvu as a hyper-versatile linebacker (and if you don’t, what the heck is wrong with you?), Wilson profiles very much the same way as a true three-down ‘backer in any scheme. There isn’t much he can’t do, and as much as anybody in this class, he personifies the modern linebacker who can take half the field over, and is a credible problem for opposing offenses in multiple ways.