Ourlads' Profile:
2024 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about PAYTON WILSON:
North Carolina State | HT: 6037 | WT: 233 | 40 time: 4.43 | Arm: 3012 | Hand: 0900 | Wing: 7534
Three year starter. He’s been at NC State for six years including the Covid year and medical hardship. First-team All-ACC, ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Butkus and Bednarik Award winner in 2023. Had ACL and shoulder injuries but has been healthy the last two seasons, resuming a significant role in 2022. Tall with a somewhat narrow upper body he’s played both in the box and as an overhang player. Instinctive athletic off the ball backer with elite stopwatch speed and a non-stop motor. Has outstanding range in pursuit with incredible ability to chase backside. Can slip blocks on the move and takes solid angles to the ball. Gathers and drives through tackles, making plays in space. Often used to blitz, he has a knack for hitting an open gap and closing with a burst on the quarterback. Excellent cover linebacker, he gets depth in drops, reads the quarterback and stresses the throwing lane. Quick to plant and drive with the ball in the air. Has the speed and loose hips to cover backs and inside receivers up the field with mirror ability to stay in phase throughout the route. While he has desired height, his overall length is below average with a short wingspan. This is normally a major downgrade, but it hasn’t affected his tackling as he seldom misses. Still tackling an NFL back in the open field will be more of a challenge. Has given up some yards after contact when squared up. He’s not consistently strong taking on blocks and can get stalemated. Medical issues will have to be addressed by teams as he’s had several surgeries. Has been healthy the last two years for the most part and some team with the right scheme will find a way to use his skill set.
2023 Stats: 138 T, 17.5 TFL, 6 sacks, 6 PBU, 10 QBH, 1 FF, 3 INT (1 TD). OSR:3/37. Draft projection: 2nd/3rd round