Steelers' Teryl Austin Raved About Payton Wilson's Big Skill-Set: 'Boy, He's Fast'

The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up day two of the 2024 NFL Draft by making their first defensive selection, taking North Carolina State linebacker Payton Wilson with the #98 overall selection. This was the pick they acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in the trade of Kenny Pickett. The motto of the first four picks for the Steelers was addressing key needs. The value has also been there as these players were drafted without the team having to further capital to maneuver to get their guy. 

The value of Wilson was discussed specifically by defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, who discussed his versatility in one of the Steelers' post-pick press conferences.

"My job is to look at the tape. He brings some speed to our defense, some physicality to our defense, the ability to cover guys. That's what I look at."

If it's physicality that the Steelers were valuing with their first defensive selection, they found it in Wilson who was not only the recipient of the 2023 Dick Butkus award, which is earned by the nation's top linebacker, but also received the 2023 Chuck Bednarik Award given to the nation's best defensive player. Wilson is coming off an impressive season that saw him rack up 138 total tackles to go along with six sacks on his way to being named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. 

The unanimous and consensus All-American also comes with some serious speed after running a 4.43 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine, providing him with the unique ability to play coverage as well as get to the quarterback. These traits, specifically his speed and nose for the football was was clearly important to the Steelers and specifically Austin.

"I think you know you look at [speed]. They'll be guys you're watching sometimes you go boy, I didn't know he was that fast when they run the 40 at the combine. But when you look at this boys tape, you go boy he's fast. Guys who are around the ball a lot, the quick react guys, they trust what they see. And you see that in his play."

Wilson joins a linebacker room that has been completely overhauled from two years ago. He joins players such as Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Mark Robinson and Patrick Queen in the room, with Queen being the standout player brought in during 2024 free agency. Austin didn't commit to Wilson starting right away, but confirmed that he was excited to get him in the building, and that Wilson would determine his role based on how quick he learns the system.

Steelers Picking Up Wilson At 98 Was Ultimate Steal

The main reason that one of arguably the draft's best defensive players fell down draft boards was due to injury concerns throughout his career. Wilson not only has concerns with his shoulder that was operated on, but regarding his knee, as he tore his ACL twice. 

According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, one of Wilson's knees does not contain an ACL. The lack of an ACL hasn't affected other players ranging from Thurman Thomas to Hines Ward, and to this point hasn't affected Wilson's production after playing in every game for the Wolfpack in 2023.

Did the Steelers get the Wilson pick right? Should he start right away?