Summary

Payton Wilson was selected in the 3rd Round (Pick #98 Overall) in the 2024 Draft out of North Carolina State University. Wilson brings a potent mix of athleticism, range, instincts, and versatility, making him one of the more intriguing linebacker prospects entering the NFL. His major strengths lie in his coverage ability, sideline‑to‑sideline speed, and play‑making instincts. His key limitations revolve around his injury history, physical strength at the point of attack, and block‑shedding consistency. If he continues to develop and maintains health, he has the tools to be a difference‑maker at the next level.

Strengths

• Exceptional athleticism & range: Wilson ran a 4.43‑second 40‑yard dash at the combine, one of the fastest times for the position. He covers sideline‑to‑sideline with ease and can chase plays from deep or wide. His movement in space (zone drops, pursuit angles) is advanced for a linebacker. PFSN

• High playmaking ability & instincts: Demonstrated production in college: e.g., in 2023 he posted ~138 tackles, 17.5 tackles‑for‑loss, 6 sacks, 3 interceptions. Good recognition in coverage, fluid hips, and doesn’t hesitate dropping into zones or tracking backs/TEs. Bleacher Report

• Versatility in scheme fit: He can be used as a blitzer, coverage LB, and run‑defender, making him a fit for modern defensive fronts. His length and speed allow for mismatch opportunities and potential as a hybrid box/cover linebacker. Steelers Depot

• Competitive nature & football IQ: Wilson shows good effort, aggressiveness, and is often around the ball. He has shown the mental processing and anticipation to make plays. NFL Draft Buzz

Weaknesses & Areas for Improvement

• Injury history & durability concerns: Multiple significant injuries: at least two ACL tears (one in high school, one as a freshman), a shoulder injury in 2021. Because of the injury background and age (24 at entry), durability is a legitimate question.

• Frame, strength & block‑shed ability: Though tall and athletic, his frame is relatively lean (~230–240 lbs) and some scouts cite below‑average arm length (~30½") for the position. He can struggle to consistently shed blocks and stack up against bigger linemen or fullbacks in the run game.

• Run‑defense polish and physicality at the point of attack: Some reports say he “gets too high,” has issues with leverage, and may be out‑muscled at the line of scrimmage. His ability to sustain blocks or finish as a tackler when engaged may be less refined compared to his coverage skills. Bleacher Report

• Transitioning from college to pro reps / ceiling timeframe: Because of his age and previous injuries, some believe his developmental window is tighter and his ceiling might require more immediate impact rather than a long ramp. NFL Draft Buzz

Role & Outlook

Wilson projects as a modern, high‑ceiling off‑ball linebacker who can make an impact in all three phases: run defense, pass coverage, and blitzing. His best role in the near term is likely as a rotational or sub‑package linebacker, especially in passing situations or when the opponent deploys athletic TEs/slot receivers. As he develops strength, refines block‑shed technique, and handles NFL physicality, he could evolve into a full‑time starter and a dynamic defensive piece. In a team like the Steelers, he offers the kind of athletic profile that fits aggressive fronts and movement‑heavy schemes. Given the questions around durability and physical polish, his floor is as a strong rotational linebacker with strong coverage value; his ceiling is a front‑line starter capable of elite downward production.