JetNation Prospect Profile: NC State LB Payton Wilson

While the Jets are seemingly set at linebacker with CJ Mosley and Quincy Williams, the team could look to take a potential future replacement from Mosley by snagging a three down ‘backer along the lines of NC State’s Payton Wilson.  Here’s a look at what he brings.

Height: 6041

Weight: 234

Hand Size: 9

Arm Size: 30 1/8

Wingspan: 76 1/8

Hometown: Hillsborough, NC

High School: Orange HS

Year: Senior

DOB: April 21, 2000

Recruit: 4-Star recruit per 247 sports.

Film Study

Games Watched: Boston College (2023), Wake Forest (2023), Marshall (2023), Texas Tech (2022), North Carolina (2022).

• Tackling: Wilson is a sure tackler at the linebacker spot who has been known to be a bit too physical at times, drawing some unnecessary roughness calls over the past few seasons.  Teams will love the effort, but he has to learn to keep it within the rules.

One of @DTereman‘s players to watch during the draft prospect portion of @JetNation live, NC State LBer Payton Wilson. Super talented player who has battled through some injuries but has high-level starter potential. Has also been known to “cross the line” from time to time. pic.twitter.com/rE6fnY9RQP

— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) September 30, 2022

• Play Recognition: Top notch.  JetNation spoke to Wilson in Mobile, AL during Senior Bowl week and he talked about learning great habits from former NFL great Luke Kuechly who has become somewhat of a mentor to Wilson
• Run Defense: Not afraid to come downhill in the box to stuff the run while showing the ability to get anywhere on the field faster than most linebackers in this class.
• Pass Coverage: It’s Wilson’s ability to cover at his size that teams are bound to love.  Has the ability to be an every down sideline to sideline ‘backer.  Effort is off the charts.

Obviously an assist here for @PackFootball LB Payton Wilson, but he must cover 80+ yards from snap to tackle. pic.twitter.com/FMUqtzGhu6

— Glenn Naughton (@JetsPicks) October 13, 2023

• Lateral Mobility/Athleticism: One of the more athletic ‘backers in this class, how he tests in Indy will go a long way in determining where he goes on draft day.  Expect him to finish near the top in multiple categories.
• Bend/Flex: Plenty of bend and flexibility to be a factor off the edge as evidenced by his 17 tackles for loss in 2023.
• Strength: Good enough but some room for improvement here.  Will want to get stronger to take on NFL linemen.
• Versatility: Wilson can play all over the formation and hold his own in just about any role you could hand to a linebacker.
• Football IQ: A product of watching over ten hours of film on a regular basis, Wilson is often seen reacting to a play before it gets off the ground.

@PackFootball LB Payton Wilson spoke with myself and @DTereman at the @seniorbowl and talked about being a film junkie.

It shows up on game day when Wilson is quick to diagnose what offenses are doing and make plays around the LOS. pic.twitter.com/MlhsYEoN7D

— Glenn Naughton (@JetsPicks) February 12, 2024

• Leadership:  Leads by example.  Relentless effort on every single play comes from having missed time in the past leading to an appreciation for every snap possibly being your last.  “You never know” when you’ll step on the field for the final time was the way Wilson phrased it in Mobile.

Got to ask @PackFootball LB Payton Wilson about his mental makeup, something he takes from Luke Keuchly’s game specifically. Then @JNRadio_Glenn asks about former teammate Drake Thomas.@JetNation @seniorbowl pic.twitter.com/i6IFm1M54K

— Dylan Tereman (@DTereman) February 2, 2024

• Durability: Payton Wilson suffered some significant injuries in the earlier part of his college career before stringing together two seasons with the Wolf Pack in which he played 23 games and missed only 1.

Summary: Going back to school to show scouts he was able to stay healthy will give Payton Wilson’s draft stock a boost over what it would have been last year.  Expect him to have a good showing in Indy and to be a player who can get on the field early and often while being a difference maker in coverage and against the run.

Projection: Round 3-4 draft choice.

Want to take a look at some more prospect profiles?  Take a look at yesterday’s breakdown of Oregon State OT Taliese Fuaga right here.

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