After focusing solely on offense, the Steelers took a calculated risk by switching gears and drafting a defensive player. Payton Wilson, a top-ranked linebacker in the 2024 NFL Draft, was expected to be a first-round pick. However, unexpectedly he slid to the third round. Now in a surprising move, the Pittsburgh Steelers grabbed him with the 98th pick.

Wilson impressed scouts with his speed at the NFL Combine, but still, his draft stock took a hit when news broke on his knee injury. Despite the concerns, the Steelers recognized Wilson’s potential and made a bold move by drafting him. While his initial contract might only be for one year, many see this leap in faith as a smart gamble by the team.

Steelers see star potential in Payton Wilson

NC State linebacker Payton Wilson was already facing questions about his injury history entering the draft. Now, NFL insider Ian Rapoport has dropped a bombshell: “One of his knees does not have an ACL.” If true, it makes Wilson’s performance over the last two years even more incredible.

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Rapoport also went to reveal a lingering shoulder injury and stated that he had torn his ACL twice. In fact, it seems one of his knees is missing an ACL altogether. Thus Wilson’s “multitude of injury” has scared away many teams. Still, the Steelers made a bold move believing in the skillsets he brings.

Steelers see the ‘high-risk’ Wilson’s potential

Payton Wilson was a reliable LB for NC State when he was healthy enough to play for over two years. He made over 400 tackles as a versatile three-down defender. However, his recent 4.43-second 40-yard dash is even more remarkable considering he’s made the record with a knee lacking an ACL. Now not only in terms of speed, he also excels in coverage and moves with impressive fluidity. These athletic skills are what ranked him among the top linebackers in this draft class. 

But what sets him more apart is his ability to switch seamlessly between edge rusher and traditional linebacker roles. It looks like the Steelers got hands on their own “Swiss Army Knife” in the rooster. Thus, by drafting Wilson, the Steelers took a calculated risk, prioritizing his potential over injury concerns. However, the Steelers won’t expect Wilson to start right away, as they have other players returning for the season. This gives Wilson time to heal fully and learn Pittsburgh’s defensive system well enough. Thus, if he stays healthy and proves himself, he could become a key player for the Steelers and potentially earn a long-term contract in the future.