Payton Wilson is a versatile linebacker with the range to play ILB, OLB, or even spend some time on the Edge. His athleticism helps him swiftly get to the ball carrier and helps in coverage.
Wilson was drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 35th selection in the 3rd round. The more Wilson fell on draft day, the more I worried teams had dropped him off of their draft boards entirely due to Wilson’s medical history (shoulder and a significant ACL injury). Being the LB6 off of the NFL Draft board may not be such a bad thing for Wilson as he now is in a prime spot to earn the LB2, or at least a rotating linebacker role by the start of the season.
The Steelers’ current linebacker room includes Patrick Queen, who recently signed a three-year deal this off-season, Cole Holcomb, who signed a three-year deal in 2023, and Elandon Roberts, who is in the final year of his two-year deal and has provided his services in Holcomb’s absence due to a season-ending injury in 2023.
In 2023, Elandon Roberts led the Pittsburgh linebacking corps in snaps (622 in 17 games), and Cole Holcomb finished second with 447 in 8 games. The Steelers have not had a top-10 fantasy-finishing linebacker other than T.J. Watt since before 2016. The Steelers want to solidify their LB2 role as Patrick Queen looks primed to lead the room. Time will tell if Wilson earns the LB2 role or is to be utilized with more of a situational role for 2024. All in all, Payton Wilson is worth a late third round pick Dynasty rookie drafts, and I wouldn’t look to add him in redraft leagues unless you’re in a relatively deep league. Even still, Wilson is a name to watch on your waiver wires as the season carries on.
| Height | Weight | College |
|---|---|---|
| 6’4″ | 233 | NC State |
Strengths
Can play a variety of linebacker roles in various defensive sets
Insanely high motor and gives second chance efforts on every play possible
Elite athleticism that helps in coverage and tracking down the ball carrier
Weaknesses
History of injuries, including a significant ACL issue
One of the oldest rookies in the draft class
Over-aggression can take him out of plays
Opposing players in the trenches can out-muscle him, and he will need better pass-rush strength at the next level
College Stats
2023: 12 Games, 138 Tackles, 17.5 Tackle For Loss, 6 Sacks, 3 Interceptions, 6 Pass Deflections, 1 Forced Fumble, 2 Fumble Recoveries
2022: 11 Games, 82 Tackles, 12.5 Tackle For Loss, 4.5 Sacks, 1 Interception, 3 Pass Deflections
2021: 2 Games, 5 Tackles, 1.5 Tackle For Loss, 1 Sack
2020:11 Games, 108 Tackles, 11.5 Tackle For Loss, 3.5 Sacks, 2 Interceptions, 1 Pass Deflection
2019: 11 Games, 69 Tackles, 5 Tackle For Loss, 1 Interception, 3 Pass Deflections
Highlights
Player Comparison
Zach Cunningham : Matt Holder (Bleacher Report)
IDP Rookie Ranking
Payton Wilson is RPO Football’s Rookie LB3 – The complete list can be found here: IDP Rookie Rankings
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And make sure you check out my Dynasty Linebacker Rankings