HOF coach says Steelers rookie's athletic ability is 'off the charts'

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson.

There may be no team better at drafting and developing linebackers than the Pittsburgh Steelers.

That's why many, like Hall of Fame head coach Bill Cowher, are expecting nothing different from Steelers rookie linebacker Payton Wilson.

"His athletic ability speaks for itself," Cowher said, via the team's website. "It's off the charts. You see it in his play. Some people run fast, but they don't play fast. Payton runs fast and he plays fast."

Wilson, the No. 98 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has the makings to be Pittsburgh's next great linebacker.

In 2023, Wilson won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the top defender in the country and the Butkus Award as the nation's best linebacker after registering 138 total tackles, six sacks, one forced fumble, three interceptions and six passes defensed.

However, there is a reason why the once-projected first-rounder fell to the third round. Wilson has an extensive medical history, but Cowher believes he shouldn't change a thing.

"He's a very resilient young man. He's been through a lot. All the injuries and he's come back, having to prove a lot of doubters wrong," Cowher added. "That little bit of a chip on your shoulder, my advice is don't lose it. Take nothing for granted. My best advice is to seize every opportunity."

Wilson has been able to stay healthy the past two seasons at NC State. If he can stay healthy at the next level, he may turn out to be one of the biggest steals of the draft.

Cowher thinks that's the only thing that could prevent him from being great as he has all the physical tools he needs to be successful.

"It's a game of speed, angles, and understanding the concepts of football. He has all of that. He's proven that the last couple of years with his productivity," Cowher finished. "I'm excited for him. I'm excited for the Steelers. They got themselves a very productive linebacker. Now it's up to him to go out there and prove it."

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