UNITY TWP., Pa. — Pittsburgh Steelers rookie inside linebacker Payton Wilson is progressing quickly in the defense. He already sees a big difference from now compared to OTAs.
“From OTAs to now, it’s a world of difference,” Wilson said. “I wasn’t able to be myself because I wasn’t playing freely, because I didn’t know the defense how I wanted to. Even yesterday and especially today, just how fast and freely I was able to move, credit Coach Curry, Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts for just leaning on me. The whole month we had off checking in, making sure I’m studying film, making sure if I have any questions that they got me.
Wilson revealed at OTAs that the Steelers are using him as their linebacker in dime packages. Pittsburgh has been searching for an elite coverage linebacker since Ryan Shazier’s devastating career-ending spinal cord injury in December of 2017.
In recent years, the Steelers have been destroyed by athletic tight ends and slot receivers. Wilson very well could be the answer.
“I look at myself as a three-down backer,” Wilson said. “… Just continuing to work on everything. My man coverage. Zone coverage is good, but it continues to get better. Just continuing to improve myself every day, and hopefully, when the time comes when they call my name, I’ll be ready.”
Wilson has been like a sponge around veteran linebackers Patrick Queen and Elandon Roberts. Just trying take in as much information that he can.
“It’s a little cheesy to say, but playing right beside two of the best linebackers in the game, Patrick Queen probably being one of the best if not the best, and then E-Rob being up there being in the league for 10 years. Just the knowledge and natural instincts that those guys have and the little information that they’re able to give me, I’m just like a sponge just soaking it up,” Wilson said.
Wilson has been the first Steeler on the field during the first two days of training camp. He said there isn’t a reason for it, but he’s big on preparation.
“It wasn’t in my head that I want to be first,” Wilson said. “I didn’t want to come out here and, hey, I’m the first guy here. I have a routine that I do every single day. My warm-up takes about 20, 25 minutes, and I’m not going to cut that.
“Whatever time I need to be out here to do that. I have a routine that I live by and I’m going to do it. Whatever time I need to be here, I want to be here.”
“It’s a long warm up, ankles, knees, shoulders. Just all mobility so I don’t go into practice cold. Everything’s warmed up. Make sure I’m ready to go.”
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Unity Twp.