Steelers' New Linebacker Payton Wilson Expected To Have Role On Special Teams

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected linebacker Payton Wilson from NC State with the 98th overall draft pick Friday night in Detroit. The Steelers have had a stellar 2024 draft thus far, as they addressed four of their top five priorities after four picks. After filling their holes at tackle, center, and receiver, Pittsburgh decided to go ahead and add some depth to their linebacker room. 

Wilson, 24, was projected as one of the best linebackers entering the draft this year, but the speedster's draft stock fell due to his injury history. To this point in his football career, Wilson has blown his ACL twice and suffered a season-ending shoulder injury most recently. The speedy linebacker earned First Team All-American honors, won the Chuck Bednarik Award, and also won the Butkus Award, which recognizes the best linebacker in college football.

During the press conference after the selection of Wilson, Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin explained why the team selected Wilson and what he will bring to Pittsburgh. Austin was later asked about the possibility of Wilson getting some playing time on special teams. 

"Absolutely, I think any young guy that comes in, that's one of the first places you want them to make their bones, so to speak. Being available and active in special teams until you earn a spot as a starter."

The Steelers did that similarly with last year's linebacker draft pick, Nick Herbig. Herbig, an outside linebacker, led the Steelers in special teams snaps in 2023. Though Herbig never became a starter, he certainly earned more playing time later on in the season. Of course, Herbig won't start over guys like TJ Watt or Alex Highsmith. The same can be said for Wilson, as he's coming to Pittsburgh in a linebacker room with Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, and Cole Holcomb. 

Wilson will be a great, speedy addition for depth to an already loaded Steelers defense. As long as Wilson can remain healthy, he has a bright future and a chance to learn from a dominant group of players. 

Khan, Steelers Nailing Another Draft In 2024

Steelers General Manger Omar Khan had an impressive, and well paid off, first draft with the Steelers in 2023. He was able to land Broderick Jones, Joey Porter Jr., Keeanu Benton, Darnell Washington, and Herbig, who all have bright futures with the Steelers. Jones and Porter Jr. both eventually became key pieces to their own positional groups, while the rest played well coming off the bench. After how well Khan and the Steelers nailed the draft in 2023, Steeler Nation is expecting them to do one even better in 2024.