It is clear that not every rookie needs time to adjust to the NFL level of speed. Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Payton Wilson has been turning heads through seven weeks of the 2024 season with his elite play in both the pass and run defense. His instincts have further supported the argument that Wilson deserves more play time on defense, as he has been used sparingly thus far.
Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin seems to agree that the rookie linebacker shouldn’t be restrained in any capacity, as his maturity allows for the team to place more trust in his play.
#Steelers DC Teryl Austin on LB Payton Wilson not wanting to be treated like a rookie.
“He’s a football junkie. … You see that from him in the way he comes into meetings, prepares. … He’s brought a level of maturity that allows us to not treat him like a rookie.”
— Aaron Becker (@Aaron_M_Becker) October 24, 2024
The team would be wise to continue to treat him as a more established player in the league, even though he might have far less experience than other linebackers on the roster. The admiration that Wilson’s teammates and coaches have for him is backed up by his competitive spirit on and off the field.
