NC State linebacker Payton Wilson is among the most polarizing prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. The winner of the 2023 Butkus Award (college football's best linebacker), Wilson finally realized his potential this season after suffering a slew of injuries in previous campaigns. Wilson was healthy throughout the 2023 campaign, recording a career-high 138 tackles.
Wilson also displayed rare athletic traits at the NFL Combine. The Hillsborough, North Carolina native ran a blazing-fast 4.43 40 with an elite 1.53 10-yard split. Agility was on display via Wilson's 4.2 shuttle and 6.85 3-cone. Wilson also had a 34.5-inch vertical and 9-foot-11 broad jump.
Medical checks will be crucial to determining Wilson's draft weekend stock. When healthy, Wilson is a top-32 talent in the 2024 NFL Draft. We've identified three potential team fits for his services.
DALLAS COWBOYS
The Cowboys released Leighton Vander Esch from his contract in a cap-clearing move earlier this offseason. Vander Esch announced his retirement mere days later due to a string of injuries suffered throughout his playing career. The Cowboys are losing a linebacker that racked up 469 tackles for the defense dating back to 2018.
Vander Esch wasn't a huge factor in 2023, but his official departure reinforces Dallas' need for a run-stopping defender after the defense allowed 112.4 rushing yards per game last season. That weakness was magnified in the postseason when the Packers rushed for 143 yards in their upset victory over Dallas. Veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks was signed to a one-year deal, but new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer requires a more permanent solution in the form of a rookie linebacker that can develop into a long-term answer.
TENNESSEE TITANS
The Titans attempted to re-sign Azeez Al-Shaair this offseason, but he opted for a more lucrative offer with their AFC South division rival Houston Texans. It's a big blow considering Al-Shaair led the Titans in tackles last season with 163. General manager Ran Carthon responded by taking a flier on former first-round bust Kenneth Murray Jr., but the Titans currently lack a green-dot defender at linebacker.
Projected to start next to Murray Jr. is one of two former undrafted free agents in Jack Gibbens or Otis Reese IV. The Titans badly need to upgrade the position through the 2024 NFL Draft. Carthon recently discussed watching Fred Warner wear the green dot as a rookie in San Francisco. Wilson has a high enough football IQ to call the Titans' defense in 2024.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst loves drafting front-seven defenders. Gutekunst drafted defensive end Lukas Van Ness in the first round last year, and he utilized his two first-round selections in 2022 on linebacker Quay Walker and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt. I expect the Packers to use another high draft pick on a linebacker this year.
Walker is a starter in Green Bay's base 4-3 defense, but more appropriate running mates are required. Veteran leader De'Vondre Campbell was released from his contract earlier this offseason. A replacement is needed. It wouldn't be surprising if Gutekunst targeted Wilson at No. 41 overall.
