Payton Wilson’s fall in the 2024 NFL Draft, explained

Every draft cycle, there are players who wait a little longer than expected to hear their name called, maybe even longer.

One such example in the 2024 NFL Draft is North Carolina State linebacker Peyton Wilson.

Off-ball linebacker has been a position whose value has declined in recent years, but with the modern NFL’s emphasis on the passing game, Wilson entered draft season as one of the top players at the position.According to our own top 100 boards JP Acosta Wilson was taken 61st overall, the second-highest ranking among off-ball linebackers behind Michigan State linebacker Junior Colston.

According to the consensus big board compiled by Arif Hasan: wide left football, Wilson was ranked No. 44 overall, once again the No. 2 linebacker behind Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper.

But after the third round, Wilson was still waiting for his name to be called. This was a surprise for a few different reasons besides both rankings. SB Nation Big Board and Consensus Big Board. In the end, Wilson had a great final season at North Carolina State, winning 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 what is the reason for the decline?

His injury history.

Wilson battled many injuries during his high school and college years. He suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his final high school season and suffered a second knee injury early in his college career. He also suffered a shoulder injury that cut his 2021 season short.

That was just part of the story. On Friday night, Ian Rapoport NFL Network Wilson reported missing the anterior cruciate ligament in one knee.

The slide ended with the Pittsburgh Steelers drafting Wilson 98th overall, making him the organization’s first free pick since the Steelers selected Devin Bush in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He was the highest-ranked ball linebacker.

Rapoport detailed his injury history shortly after his selection.

After being drafted, Wilson talked about his strengths and how he would fit in Pittsburgh. “My versatility speaks for itself.” wilson said. “I can play in the box and I can go into coverage.

“I grew up watching the Pittsburgh Steelers defense, so that’s the model for how I play. I play hard, fast, physical and as tough as I can. Participate with everyone there. I’m really excited to continue improving my game.”

defensive coordinator teryl austin highlighted his workand his instincts as a linebacker.

“He was a key figure on our board,” Austin said. “I liked him as a football player. Very productive, fast, has good football instincts. Everything you want in a football player. You see where he is, I thought that was a good thing because I had the opportunity to get a , and I like the situation.

“He brings speed to our defense. He brings physicality to our defense. His ability to cover guys. That’s what I see.”

At the annual NFL Scouting Combine, it’s often said that the most important things happen behind the scenes, from meetings between prospects and teams to medical exams. That seems to be the case with Wilson.

In the end, what he accomplished this past season at North Carolina State, apparently without a torn ACL in one knee, may say it all. And if Wilson can replicate that kind of performance at the next level, the Steelers might be very glad that slide happened.