Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Polarizing draft prospect catches the Steelers’ attention just before the draft

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated 4/17/24

Drafting a player, even in the later rounds, is a very detailed process based on hours of research and intel.

Part of that is weighing a player's injury history with their potential.

And for NC State LB Payton Wilson, that's the case, with the Pittsburgh Steelers as his latest suitor:

Payton Wilson Visits with Steelers

The Steelers are bringing in likely first-rounder Duke OL Graham Barton and NC State LB Payton Wilson for pre-draft visits on Tuesday.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) April 16, 2024

In a LB class that is lacking, Wilson stands above the rest on film. An elite athlete that plays with his hair on fire, few defenders gave me the joy watching tape that Wilson did. You watch his playstyle and you wonder how in the world he's not being talked about as a first-round pick.

The answer is simple:

Injuries

The medical/durability component is the great unknown when stacking these prospects. For instance, if NC State LB Payton Wilson gets passing grade in this area, he could make his way into the first round. He is an all day first round player on tape.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 24, 2024

But just because injuries may limit his overall projection, it won't be by much, as Wilson is currently situated at 41st on the consensus board, a whole 10 spots ahead of the Steelers' second-round pick.

LB is certainly a need for Pittsburgh, but with the team signing Patrick Queen to a historic contract in free agency and Cole Holcomb working his way back from injury in a positive manner it's not a top-50 pick kind of need in my opinion.

So taking a LB anywhere near the first two rounds is a little rich for me given the needs at other positions (WR, C, OT) but if Pittsburgh decided to go that way, Wilson would be their best bet should they feel comfortable with his medicals.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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