Report: Payton Wilson has no ACL in knee, leading to NFL Draft slide

New Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson reportedly slid in the NFL Draft to the end of the third round due to an injury concern revolving around one of his knees. The 24-year-old defender whom the Steelers snagged with the No. 98 overall pick has no ACL in one of his knees, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

The crucial ligament located in the middle of the knee is missing due to an injury he sustained early in his career. It’s a shocking revelation, however, it didn’t stop Wilson from winning the 2023 Butkus Award, the 2023 Bednarik Award and running a 4.43 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.

His time at the collegiate level was extended numerous times due to injury. Wilson suffered a torn ACL during his senior year at nearby Orange High. Once he arrived in Raleigh, he had a second knee injury, which led to a redshirt campaign during his freshman season at NC State.

He also suffered a season-ending shoulder injury at Mississippi State, the second game of his junior year, in 2021. Despite his history of injuries, Wilson put together back-to-back healthy seasons to close out his collegiate career. Now, he’ll look to keep his streak going at the professional level with the Steelers. Though he’s battled back from injuries throughout his career, former Alabama head coach Nick Saban said on ABC’s draft night coverage that he would include the Wolfpack star on his “All-Saban Team.”

Wilson headed to Pittsburgh after NC State career

Wilson was excellent for the Wolfpack, tallying 402 tackles, 48 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, seven interceptions and one forced fumble in his career. His 2023 campaign was particularly stellar. This past season, Wilson exploded for 138 tackles, 17.5 TFLs, six sacks and three picks.

For his efforts, Wilson won the 2023 Chuck Bednarik Award and Butkus Award while also being named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Additionally, he was a unanimous consensus All-American, only the fourth in school history.

Wilson’s not only skilled but also a physical talent. Standing at 6-foot-4, 233 pounds, Wilson busted out a blazing 4.43-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Further, he recorded a 34.5” vertical jump and a 9’11” broad jump.

Payton Wilson played high school football at Orange High (NC), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 68 overall recruit in the 2018 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

On3’s Grant Grubbs contributed to this report.