The Pittsburgh Steelers got a potential steal in LB Peyton Wilson, who went down due to injury concerns late in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Bednarik Award winner, college football’s best defensive player, possesses tremendous speed and has been productive in his college career, including seven career interceptions and 13 career passes defended. In OTAs, Wilson said he was getting dime package work at linebacker for the Steelers.
“In our situation, I’m the supporter out there. Whether it’s a tight end, a running back, or sometimes even the slot, you can have the confidence of a coach to cover a guy. [Aaron Curry]coach [Teryl Austin] It was a really cool thing for me,” Wilson said. Via Post-Gazette Sports on YouTube.
Wilson said there are definitely adjustments to coverage in the NFL depending on how fluid players are on their routes, especially tight ends. He said this is different from the college game.
“Even in college, there are some good routes and how fluid they are on tight routes. do not misunderstand. But a lot of times, it’s blocking tight ends. But even Darnell [Washington]He’s 6-foot-8, I don’t know how much he weighs, but he can run clean routes and he’s pretty fast, so everyone you go up against, every tight end, every running back, you’ve got to have your back in the game.”
There is always an adjustment period for rookie players going from college to the NFL, and with Wilson, he is learning just how much more talented NFL pass catchers can be. He’s gotten some good experience early on with the Steelers utilizing him, and this is definitely a role he can play in early on in his NFL career.
He’ll be competing for snaps with Patrick Queen and Elandon Roberts, but Wilson’s speed and athleticism make him an interesting piece for the Steelers to use, especially when it comes to his coverage abilities. He may not see many snaps out of the gate, but Wilson’s role could grow throughout the year and he will likely be used outside of just a dud as the season progresses.
The biggest question about Wilson’s success in the NFL is whether he can stay healthy after suffering two knee injuries and a serious shoulder injury in high school, but if Wilson stays healthy, he could be one of the biggest steals in the NFL. . draft. Despite his injury history, he played in 47 games for NC State and could be an impact guy for the Steelers as early as his rookie season.
