I was as confident in linebacker Payton Wilson as I was any Pittsburgh Steelers player in 2025. As a rookie, he laid a solid foundation and, with his athleticism, work ethic, and effort, seemed ready to break out as a sophomore. Health, his biggest red flag out of NC State, hasn’t been the issue. He’s been durable and available every step of the way.
And yet. Wilson did not take that jump. His second year was much like his first. Not terrible, but underwhelming in usage and performance, leaving me to wonder what his ceiling and future might be.