Wilson Tabbed As The Steelers' Breakout Candidate

Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire

Last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers got a taste of then-rookie Payton Wilson’s playmaking abilities—the kind that could one day make him a Pro Bowl linebacker. With the departure of veteran Elandon Roberts this offseason, one can safely assume that Wilson will see an expanded role on defense, even with Patrick Queen on the roster.

One analyst predicting big things for Wilson is Jonathon Macri of Pro Football Focus, who added him to his list of breakout players for the 2025 season.

In addition to being a timely and consistent tackler, one of the many aspects that make Wilson a valuable defensive player is his ability to cover receivers and running backs in open space—similar to what he did during his collegiate career at NC State.

"Wilson fell in the 2024 NFL Draft due to injury concerns, though he played an entire season as a rookie, earning solid grades for the position, including a 77.3 coverage grade that tied for sixth at the position with fellow rookie Edgerrin Cooper. Wilson’s Year 1 role was that of a rotational piece in Pittsburgh’s defense, playing just over 500 defensive snaps."

Last season, the former Butkus Award winner collected 78 total tackles, 24 run stops, a forced fumble, two passes defensed, an interception, and a fumble returned for a touchdown. Though he played just under 500 defensive snaps last season, one should expect that number to increase significantly in the upcoming season.