The Pittsburgh Steelers had another strong draft, according to many analysts. Part of the reason the team has been so good at drafting is they are not afraid to take high-risk players if they fall. NC State linebacker Payton Wilson was one of the top linebackers in the 2024 class but fell because of injury concerns. The Steelers got him in the third round. Wilson has impressed so far in rookie camp and downplayed his injury concerns in a recent interview.
Pittsburgh Steelers LB Payton Wilson On Injury History
Payton Wilson was surprised to learn at the combine about his "missing" ACL.
He says his knee hasn't bothered him in years, and a "religious" dedication to maintaining his body has his injury issues behind him.
"I’ve been playing like this for so long, it doesn’t bother me. My…
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) May 10, 2024
At the NFL Combine, it was discovered that Payton Wilson didn’t have an ACL in one of his knees. This is what led him to fall in the draft. The Pittsburgh Steelers were happy to take the risk, and the pick already looks like a huge steal. During rookie minicamp, he impressed the coaches with his ability to call the defense. However, the questions about his knees haven’t stopped but Wilson did his best to qualm the fears of the media.
“I’ve been playing like this for so long. It doesn’t bother me. My knees don’t bother me. My knees don’t bother me. I’m not gonna have a problem with it.”
While the medicals may not look good, Wilson says that his knees do not bother him. While his career may not be a long one, the Pittsburgh Steelers will happily take high-level play from a young player for a short time period. The defense has been the calling card of the Steelers for the past few years, and Wilson looks like a perfect fit.
Can The Offense Pull Their Weight?
While Payton Wilson may come with questions, the defense as a unit does not. TJ Watt is a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Minkah Fitzpatrick is still one of the top safeties in the game, and Joey Porter Jr. looks to be developing well. Not to mention, the team signed Patrick Queen this offseason from the Baltimore Ravens. It is up to the offense to pull their weight. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will compete for the starting job. If they can be a middle-of-the-road offense, this team could find a lot of success in 2024.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are always in the mix in the AFC North. Last year, they overcame an awful offense to finish with a winning record. This year’s team is better, and they look forward to having another strong rookie class coming in. Can they hold off the Ravens, Browns, and Bengals and win the North?
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Matt Brown has been following sports since he was a kid. It does not matter what sport he is talking about; he tends to be an expert in it. When he is not glued to following sports, he is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
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