The Pittsburgh Steelers
may have found their next defensive focal point in rookie linebacker Payton Wilson. Slipping in the 2024 draft largely due to past injury concerns, Wilson's initial NFL action has demonstrated the elite traits that made him a standout at NC State. Now, former Steelers linebackers Arthur Moats and Terence Garvin believe Wilson is on the verge of taking the next major step in his development.Speaking on Moats’ podcast, Garvin highlighted Wilson's relentless motor and natural size as key factors setting him apart on the field, comparing his presence to a legendary NFL safety.
"The biggest respect you can get as a LB is your proximity to the ball. Every time you see him in the game, like he's to the ball. He plays super hard;
he’s just hungry," Garvin said. "I’ve been on Payton for a minute. He's 6'4", run, tackle, OG big safety. Go ahead. I don't think people realize, like respectively, how big he is. He's like Kam Chancellor size out there, bro."
While Wilson has excelled in a high-energy complementary role alongside veteran Patrick Queen, Moats emphasized that the true test of his ceiling will be transitioning from a supporting piece to the centerpiece of the defense.
"We've just never seen you hop out and be Batman. And everybody says they could be Batman," Moats noted. "Everybody think they David Ruffin until it's time to be David Ruffin. Everybody think they go out there and sing the national anthem like they Whitney Houston till it's time to get out there. You start fumbling words."
Despite those future leadership questions, Wilson continues to check every physical and tactical box. If he maintains his health while making the most of expanded opportunities, Pittsburgh’s linebacker room could soon belong to him.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Inside Payton Wilson's sideline-to-sideline impact for the Steelers
