The Pittsburgh Steelers are hosting NC State linebacker Payton Wilson for a pre-draft visit on Tuesday. Wilson is the first linebacker that the team has brought to the facility, but it makes sense if they want to take an upside swing on a linebacker early. In addition, Wilson has multiple questions about his medicals, so this visit can be used as another assurance about those. Graham Barton and Wilson are in Pittsburgh on Tuesday.
Wilson is an athletic player who has dealt with a litany of injuries. The 24-year-old prospect ran a blazing fast 4.43 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. At 6-foot-3, 233 pounds, he has a wiry frame but can fly and hits with an oomph that few in the entire class have. He is the classic case of someone who might be a Top-50 talent on film, but check the medicals, and suddenly, his stock will drop slightly. So, this could a possible target with one of the third round picks that the Steelers currently hold.
Throughout his career, Wilson has dealt with knee injuries, shoulder injuries, and some questions about a concussion. From what is known about his medical history since high school, he has undergone over ten surgeries. That includes surgeries on both shoulders and multiple on his right knee. So, there are some serious questions about durability with Wilson, who did finally play a full season in 2023, and it was his most productive season.
Steelers inside linebacker coach Aaron Curry has been hot on the pro day trail watching some of the linebackers and it seems that the team will look to add someone to that room in the class. Wilson has a ton of upside but his medical history will be the biggest hurdle for him to clear to have a successful career. As it stands, expect the team to grab him in the third round if interested potentially.