Payton Wilson OLB NC State: Scouting Report

Height: 6’4

Weight: 234

Overall

Payton Wilson is a long, athletic outside linebacker in NC State’s 3-4 defense. In his 5 collegiate seasons, he played in 46 games with 24 starts. He suffered a knee injury and underwent surgery causing him to miss his freshman season in 2018. He also suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in week 2 of the 2021 season causing him to miss the final 10 games. He missed multiple one off games for varying injuries as well during his time at NC State. When he is on the field he has very good production and he has the physical tools to make an impact in the pros.

Pass Game

Wilson was often used on or close to the line of scrimmage as an edge rusher but he struggles shedding blocks due to his thin frame. When he plays off the ball as an extra blitzer though he shows good vision in finding the open lane and he is explosive through the line of scrimmage. He has a very good burst and can be a very good blitzing linebacker in multiple schemes. In coverage he has experience both in zone and man. In zone coverage he shows good technique and athleticism to get to his spot as well as the vision to read the quarterback and attack the football. He has good ball skills and made multiple big-time interceptions on film. In man coverage, he has the speed and length to match-up with tight ends but he lacks the fluidity and foot speed to cover more elusive running backs. 

Run Game

Wilson makes plays all over the field against the run. He plays with a high motor and has excellent pursuit to the football. He does a very good job of getting eyes on the ball-carrier then sifting through the trash to make the play. He is explosive and he has elite closing speed to the football. He has the speed, length, and pursuit to cover from sideline to sideline as a run and chase linebacker. When offensive linemen get hands on him up the field he continues to struggle shedding blocks and he needs to get stronger moving forward. As a tackler he shows good technique on film and with his length he can wrap up the ball-carrier with ease. He was a consistent playmaker on film and he has the physical tools to make plays on the outside and in the backfield.

Last Word

Wilson projects best as a 3-4 outside linebacker who can be used on blitzes on the edge and off the ball in coverage and to chase down run plays. His ability to drop back and cover ground in zone coverage as well as blitz the quarterback makes him extremely valuable on 3rd downs. His elite blend size and speed will allow him to excel on Special Teams as well.

One-Liner: Payton Wilson has elite physical tools to develop into a very good 3 down player, but he needs to get stronger to better shed blocks when pass-rushing and when defending the run off the ball.

Grade: 6.6 (Lower End Starter on All 3 Downs)

Games Watched: 2023 - Connecticut, Marshall, Wake Forest

Team Fits: New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers