Peyton Wilson was one of the brightest off-ball linebackers in the entire 2024 NFL Draft and was coming off an outstanding final college season at North Carolina State University. Wilson won both the Bednarik Award (awarded to the best defensive player in college football) and the Butkus Award (awarded to the best linebacker). He recorded a career-high 138 tackles, including 17.5 tackles for a loss (also a league-high), along with six sacks, three interceptions, and 10 passes defensed.
But Wilson slid pittsburgh steelers Despite these accolades, he was the 98th pick in the draft due to a lengthy injury history. Wilson battled several injuries during his high school and college years, including a torn ACL during his final high school season and a second knee injury early in his college career. He also suffered a shoulder injury that cut his 2021 season short.
Then, last spring, the following report was submitted in the middle of the draft.
Now on NFL Network @rapsheet Regarding Peyton Wilson being drafted, we reported that “he doesn't have an anterior cruciate ligament in one of his knees.'' If that's true, his performance over the past two years has been absolutely outrageous.
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) April 27, 2024
Wilson later said: Knees may not show ACL on scanbut the injury history was still extensive.
But is there one thing these scans can't show?
heart.
Wilson showed his heart with this incredible interception in Sunday's crucial away game against the AFC North. baltimore ravens:
Wilson flicked the whistle on a wheel route from Justice Hill from the backfield, ripping the football away from Ravens running back and creating a crucial turnover. Pittsburgh made a field goal on the ensuing possession, extending their lead over Baltimore to 18-10.
An unbelievable play from a rookie linebacker.
