Payton Wilson – Linebacker – 23 years old – Senior – NC State
Height: 1m93
Weight: 104 kg
2023 stats: 10 games, 138 tackles, 6 sacks, 3 interceptions, 6 passes defended, 1 touchdown
Estimated position in the draft: 25 – 45
NFL Comparison: Jamin Davis
Winner of the Butkus award, rewarding the best linebacker in College Football, and the Bednarik Award, the best defender, Payton Wilson is a veteran of the college level. After 6 seasons at NC State, he is ready to write a new story. And his very attractive profile makes him a strong contender, and favorite, to be the first interior linebacker chosen.
Strong points
- Complete
- Instincts / Football IQ
- Athletic abilities / Size
You just have to read his stat line to get an idea. Wilson is not a linebacker locked into one role. He knows how to do everything. A tackling machine, he also excels in coverage and in his ability to disrupt the pocket. Which makes him a player capable of playing on all 3 attempts.
A very intelligent player, his instinct and vision are formidable weapons. He reads the blocks and the game well. Which makes him a playmaker capable of punishing the quarterback. His understanding of the game will make him a captain and a field liaison for the staff in the medium term.
Endowed with ideal measurements for his position, despite perhaps a relative lack of a few kilos, he is a physical phenomenon born to be a high-level athlete. With a great time, worthy of a receiver, in the 40 yard dash during the combine, he posted a brilliant mark of 9.81 on his athletic score. Measuring tool particularly by some scouts. A welcome speed in pursuit phases or even in coverage.
Weak points
- Fragility
- Age
- Room for improvement
The main concern regarding Wilson is not a technical weakness, or tactical shortcomings. The linebacker has already suffered two serious knee injuries. Two cruciate ligament ruptures, which inevitably raise questions about his durability in the NFL and his ability to overcome other physical problems.
Where his main “competitors” in the 2024 class are barely 21 years old, Wilson will be 24 years old on the evening of the draft. His 6 years at NC State allowed him to build experience and reputation, but delayed and de facto shortened his NFL career. He will be 28 years old at the end of his rookie contract (29, in the event of selection in 1er round). And precisely this age raises questions about the player's ability to continue to raise his level and not plateau.
Possible destinations
Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans
In a linebacker class that is in decline this year, Payton Wilson is a safe haven. His profile and CV speak for him. If the Wolfpack player had a year younger on his birth certificate, or intact knees, the 1er tower held out his arms to him.
Future holder, and even probable defensive leader, his profile will be particularly highlighted in a 4-3 scheme in the role of outside linebacker. Greater freedom of action which could make it a real poison.
