Getty Picture / Nicholas Faulkner
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been masters at getting worth out of the center and later rounds of the NFL Draft for 50 years, it appears. That’s why they’ve been one of the constant franchises within the NFL.
Something can occur as soon as guys take the sector. However, it seems like they’ve picked arguably the steal of the draft in North Carolina State inside linebacker Payton Wilson.
Wilson was the Bednarik and Butkus Award winner this previous season after a stellar yr for the Wolfpack. He had 138 whole tackles, 6 sacks, and three interceptions. His highlights are spectacular.
His testing numbers have been off the charts, too.
So, why did he drop all the best way to the 98th decide? The 24-year-old has severe harm considerations. Wilson has torn his ACL twice, and is with out one ACL.
Simply now on NFL Community @rapsheet reported on Payton Wilson’s fall within the draft: “considered one of his knees doesn’t have an ACL” … if that is true his efficiency the final two years is completely outrageous.
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) April 27, 2024
These are definitely official considerations. A ton of proficient NFL gamers fail as a result of their knees merely can not maintain up. And, Payton Wilson might positively fall into that class.
However, he dominated faculty soccer final yr whereas having the identical harm points. That gained’t predict the longer term, however it’s definitely a constructive factor.
At decide 98, it looks as if an excellent upside play. If he stays wholesome, there’s no purpose he isn’t a Professional Bowl-caliber inside linebacker from the second he makes his debut. He has All-Professional upside, too. Once more, he has to remain wholesome, but when he does, he ought to be a star.
Payton Wilson might comply with in a protracted line of nice Pittsburgh Steelers center linebackers like Jack Ham, Jack Lambert, and James Farrior.
