Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Payton Wilson (North Carolina St.) - 2024 NFL Draft Pick #98 by PIT

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Payton Wilson - 2024 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

• Name: Payton Wilson
• College: North Carolina State University
• Position: Linebacker
• Height: 6'4"
• Weight: 240 lbs

Strengths

• Versatile Skill Set: Wilson demonstrates the ability to play both inside and outside linebacker, showcasing his adaptability to various defensive schemes.
• Strong Tackler: Known for his physicality, Wilson is an aggressive tackler who excels at bringing down ball carriers.
• Coverage Ability: Displays good instincts in pass coverage, allowing him to effectively defend against both tight ends and running backs.
• Leadership Qualities: A vocal leader on and off the field, he is respected by teammates and coaches, making him a potential team captain at the next level.
• High Football IQ: Wilson has a deep understanding of the game, which helps him read plays and react quickly.

Areas for Improvement

• Injury History: Wilson has had some injury concerns during his college career, which may raise red flags for NFL teams regarding durability.
• Consistency: While he has shown flashes of brilliance, he needs to improve his consistency in performance, particularly in tackling and coverage.
• Pass Rush Skills: While he can pressure the quarterback, developing more refined pass-rush techniques could enhance his value as a linebacker.

Pro Comparison

Payton Wilson is often compared to Foyesade Oluokun due to his similar playing style and physical attributes. Both players excel in coverage and are effective tacklers, making them valuable assets in any defensive scheme.

Draft Projection

As of now, Payton Wilson is projected to be selected in the second to third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. His unique combination of size, speed, and football intelligence makes him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps.