The Pittsburgh Steelers were ecstatic when linebacker Payton Wilson fell to them in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. A standout at NC State, Wilson earned numerous accolades and awards during his college career. Known for his speed and knack for finding the football, he brings a dynamic presence to an already loaded Steelers linebacker corps. His ability to drop back in coverage adds another layer of excitement for the Steelers' defense.
In the Steelers' Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, Wilson saw a significant amount of action, leaving many fans curious about his role in the team's stacked defense. Interestingly, he alternated with veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts during specific passing situations, signaling the team's trust in his coverage abilities. His presence on obvious passing plays was a promising sign of the coaching staff's confidence in him.
On Tuesday, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke to the media and dropped a telling hint about Wilson's growing role. Tomlin’s comments suggested that the rookie linebacker might be on the verge of taking on even more responsibilities in the defense, sparking excitement among fans eager to see Wilson’s impact in the coming weeks.
"You know, I thought it wasn’t too big for him, which is a good start for a young guy. We divided up the labor between him and Elandon Roberts to best fit their skill set as it pertained to that game. It might be different this week to be quite honest with you. It’s a specialization game at this point."
Roberts excels at stopping the run, while Wilson brings more speed and excels in pass coverage. Tomlin acknowledged that the team is rotating Wilson and Roberts based on specific situations, highlighting their complementary skill sets. While this approach may shift depending on the game, it's clear that the Steelers coaching staff has significant trust in the rookie inside linebacker.
Tomlin expressed his satisfaction with Wilson’s performance in his regular season debut, praising his ability to quickly adapt and make an impact. The fact that Wilson is already being relied upon in key moments speaks volumes about the confidence the team has in him moving forward.
"He has a nice skill set, he can run and cover. Obviously, you know what Elandon brings, man. He’s a tooth chipper and always has been in the run game… We will continue to work that balance, but just in general, I liked what I saw from Payton in terms of production and demeanor."
Wilson logged six snaps in run defense and 18 in pass coverage, while also making a noticeable impact on special teams, which Tomlin was quick to praise.
The Steelers have recently struggled with pass coverage from their inside linebackers, making Wilson's emergence especially exciting. His presence alongside Patrick Queen could signal the rise of a formidable coverage duo at the inside linebacker position.
Steelers' Payton Wilson Likely To See Even Greater Role Against Denver
Steelers fans will be eager to see how Wilson's role evolves in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. With rookie quarterback Bo Nix expected to start after throwing 42 passes in Week 1, it’s likely Wilson will see even more opportunities in pass coverage, setting the stage for a key performance.
The Steelers will be aiming for another road win in Denver, with TJ Watt set to make life difficult for Nix. Watt’s disruptive presence will likely force the Broncos into third-and-long situations, creating more opportunities for Wilson to shine.
Given his strong coverage skills, Wilson could see increased action, offering hope that the Steelers’ inside linebackers may finally be a strength in coverage this season—a promising sign for 2024.
