Last season, injuries and a lack of depth hurt the Pittsburgh Steelers’ linebacker room. Week 9 saw starter Cole Holcomb suffer a season-ending knee injury, and Week 10 saw backup Kwon Alexander suffer a season-ending achilles tear.
Myles Jack, Mykal Walker, and Mark Robinson were the Steelers’ only options. The only player on the list who is still with the team is Robinson.
The Steelers did not want their depth to be adversely affected by an injury to a starting linebacker. In the third round, they selected a linebacker and signed Patrick Queen.
In the third round, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected a linebacker.
Payton Wilson was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 98th overall.
Payton Wilson was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers on a rookie contract.
Wilson signed a four-year rookie contract with the Steelers.
According to Over The Cap, he will agree to a $5,596,312 four-year contract with a $890,044 signing bonus.
On Payton Wilson, Lance Zierlein completed a scouting report.
Wilson’s scouting report for NFL Network was written by Lance Zierlein. “Wilson’s athletic profile and length could certainly push him up the board for some teams, but his history with injuries could tamp down his draft stock. He’s free-flowing in pursuit and is best as a run-and-hit hunter rather than a static defender faced with a downhill blocker. He lacks the play strength or demeanor to consistently leverage run fits. Wilson will find himself near the football frequently when allowed to play freely and avoid the mess in the middle. He can play zone or man coverage.
“Wilson’s physical attributes and length could help him get selected by some teams, but his injury history might hurt his chances of getting selected.” His finest ability is as a run-and-hit hunter, not as a static defender, and he is free-flowing when pursuing. Wilson has the ability to start quickly, but scheme fit and medical reports will be important factors in determining how well he plays.
Will he be the starting quarterback in 2024, or will he start behind Elandon Roberts and get more playing time as the season goes on?
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