Payton Wilson 2024 NFL Draft Profile

The 2024 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Payton Wilson 2024 NFL Draft Profile.

Payton Wilson Background

Position: Linebacker

School: NC State

Size: 6-foot-4, 233 pounds

Class: Senior

2023 stats: 138 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 3 interceptions, 6 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 touchdown

Wilson had a highly productive career at NC State, but there were some injuries during his college days. He is now in the 2024 NFL Draft.

As a four-star prospect in the class of 2018, Wilson decided to stay in-state to play for the Wolfpack. He had a season-ending knee injury in his first season on campus. Wilson started just one game, but notched 69 tackles in 2019. In 2020, he was a First-Team All-ACC player with 108 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions. His play helped NC State go 8-4 that season. For the 2021 season, he played in two games before having a season-ending shoulder injury. He returned in 2022 with 82 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. The Wolfpack won eight games with Wilson’s help. Last season, Wilson was a First-Team All-American totaling 138 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. NC State won nine games in Wilson’s final season.

Following the 2023 season, Wilson entered his name in the 2024 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a first or second-round pick.

Payton Wilson Strengths

Wilson is a great athlete, especially for his size. He ran a fast 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine and that speed shows up on tape. Wilson has good agility and quickness, which helps him show good pursuit. His combination of his size and athletic ability make him one of the more intriguing prospects in the class at the linebacker position.

His experience shows up on tape as well. Wilson has good awareness pre-snap and instincts. He is quick to diagnose plays and has a good read on them. This lets him play a step ahead, which really gives him an edge with his athletic profile.

He has the ability to be a three-down linebacker for a few different reasons. Wilson can stop the run. He can also cover well in both zone and man. His size and speed allows him to match up with tight ends and running backs alike in man coverage. In addition, he also has shown to be a successful blitzer when used that way.

Payton Wilson Weaknesses

The biggest thing that could impact Wilson’s draft stock is his injury history. With the knee injury early in his time at NC State and a shoulder injury later on, those will need to be cleared. Some teams may have him off of their boards due to the injury risk.

While he is good at eluding blocks and getting to ball carriers, Wilson can do a better job of shedding blocks. He can get hung up on blocks and get taken out of the play. With more focus on attacking the blocks and shedding, he could make even more plays.

He has a great frame for an NFL linebacker, but he can add to it a bit more. With more play strength, he could shed better and provide more physical coverage. If he hits the weight room early in his NFL career, he can be a more well-rounded player.

Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick

Draft Grade: Second Round Pick

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