Payton Wilson, a solid player in many registers.
On April 25, the 2024 NFL draft will be held in Detroit. The opportunity to present the different prospects in more detail through new thematic articles, the “Prototype”. The idea is simple: identify the perfect prospect, with the main quality of each player entered in the draft. Today, place at the linebacker position.
Vision / blitz: Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
One thing seems certain: watching his father evolve in the league during the 2000s, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. took notes. Because he is undoubtedly the most cerebral linebacker of this vintage. A quality that often allows him to be a step ahead in snap, and above all to be able to integrate the pocket by blitzing effectively. Over the last two seasons, at Clemson, in a defense loaded with talent, he notably collected nearly 29 tackles for loss and 13 sacks.
Physicality / Tackle: Junior Colson
In this 2024 class, he suffers in comparison to others in terms of versatility. But in terms of run stop elite, Junior Colson has the foundations to reach a very high level. Symbol of Michigan's excellent defense, especially on the ground game, the one who lived in France in his youth has little waste in this register. Judge for yourself: 17 missed tackles out of 181 sequences of play, for a percentage of 6% of missed tackles in three seasons. There is no doubt that in a defense that intends to be respected on the ground in the NFL, Colson will quickly have his say.
Mobility / Changes of direction: Edgerrin Cooper
Unlike the first two mentioned, Edgerrin Cooper was clearly not helped by his defense on the Texas A&M side. Which did not prevent him from being THE boss of the latter. Physical and constantly in action, the Texan benefits from above-average support and fluidity of movement to be present at the end of the actions. Enough to allow him to be the best tackler in his team (84), but also the best sacker (8) and the one causing the most fumbles (2) in 2023.
Speed/Pursuit: Payton Wilson
In many categories, Wilson is extremely effective. But his pure speed, demonstrated during the Combine (4.44 in the 40 yard dash), is a real asset in terms of responsiveness and pursuit. In NC State's 3-3-5 defense giving a lot of responsibility to the linebackers, Wilson was able to respond, posting 138 tackles in 2023 (8th best total in the country), including 17 and a half for loss ( Top 10 in the country as well).
Cover: Payton Wilson
Here again, this can be open to debate, Trotter and Cooper having demonstrated notable qualities in certain aerial phases. But his slender profile and sense of timing make Wilson a player just as dangerous in the air as on the ground. In a Wolfpack defense adept at stealing balls from the quarterback (17 interceptions in 2023), Wilson found a way to make his contribution, with 3 picks of his own, including a ball returned for a touchdown. Add to that his 6 passes defended (2nd best training record) and you understand a little more why this player is considered one of the most complete in this draft.
