The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team who loves to build their team from the ground up. In other words, they’ve always been a team who loves to build through the draft, instead of finding players on the open market via free agency. With the 2024 season now officially over, it is the perfect time of year to take a look back at the past season’s rookie class.

Who were the impact players, and who were those who left plenty to be desired? Let’s get the recap started…

Player: Payton Wilson

Position: Inside Linebacker

Drafted: Round 3 (98th Pick)

2024 Statistics:

Games Played: 17

Games Started: 4

Tackles: 78

INT: 1

PD: 2

Sacks: 0

PFF Grade: Overall 74.7

Recap: The Pittsburgh Steelers 3rd Round rookie was the only player who wasn’t drafted higher than expected based on the fact he was told to have injury issues heading into the NFL Draft. He stayed healthy, and made some quality plays throughout his rookie season. The highlight of his season, in my opinion, wasn’t the scoop-and-score in Cincinnati, but instead the interception of Lamar Jackson in the Steelers win vs. the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium. That play in coverage on Justice Hill showed the type of player Wilson is, and can continue to be, in his career.

Wilson had splashes of excellence in 2024, but also had times where he was out-manned and pushed around. He was a rookie, and that is absolutely expected to happen on occasion. While I still don’t feel Wilson will be an every down linebacker, I think his athleticism absolutely will be utilized against tight ends and in passing sets in the future.

How the Steelers approach the offseason at the inside linebacker position will be telling when it comes to how they future the immediate future of Wilson. If they let Cole Holcomb go and allow Elandon Roberts to walk via free agency, that means they view Wilson as the next staple at inside linebacker next to Patrick Queen. If they bring back one, or both, of those aforementioned players, that will likely tell us they view Wilson as a player to play in specific situations and sub packages.

Either way, Wilson proved he was worthy of being drafted, and looks to be a steal in the 3rd Round. With a full season under his belt, it is safe to say Wilson will be able to play faster in the future, and that is a positive for the Steelers defense moving forward. The future is bright for Payton Wilson.

2024 Steelers NFL Draft Recaps

Round 1: Troy Fautanu

Round 2: Zach Frazier

Round 3: Roman Wilson

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of the offseason.