'Blue Collar' Wilson Reveals Impressions of Steelers, Queen
The Pittsburgh Steelers completely overhauled several position groups this offseason, and on the defensive side of the ball, that was most evident at the second level.
Pittsburgh signed former first-round linebacker Patrick Queen to a $41 million deal, upgrading where the Baltimore Ravens lost talent. The Steelers also spent the latter of two third-round picks on the class’ most athletic linebacker, Payton Wilson.
Wilson’s role isn’t decided just yet – being blocked by an eight-digit earner will do that to a rookie – but Wilson is taking full advantage of the talent around him.
© Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
On Thursday, he spoke to Aaron Becker about Queen’s influence and how he feels the offseason has gone thus far.
“Just little things,” Wilson said. “… Just kind of being in his hip pocket like, ‘Hey man, what did you see to do this?’ He’s so smart that he’s able to kind of manipulate a quarterback.”
That skill will play a role in Wilson’s success on passing downs, where he’s likely to see the majority of his playing time this season. Noise out of camp suggests Wilson is tracking well for the dime linebacker role, leaving him on the field for obvious passing downs.
With Queen taking up most of the playing time and Elandon Roberts – the best run-stopping linebacker of the bunch – seeing snaps on early downs alongside him, Wilson’s path to playing time could come in spurts.
However, Pittsburgh has long made a point out of having rookies earn their first-team reps. If nothing else, carving out a legitimate role this early is a good sign.
“Yeah, they said it’s one of the hardest camps in the league, but I’m blue-collar, grew up on a farm,” Wilson said. “I’m super excited to kind of put the ball down and let’s play ball.”
Wilson will have a chance to prove himself with pads on in July, when the team takes to Latrobe for training camp. There, he'll look to carry his positive momentum and gain the trust of a coaching staff willing to deploy him in the middle of a strong defense.