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Payton Wilson 2024 Outlook: Fantasy’s Top Rookie Defender
6 months agoThe defensive talent in this year's NFL Draft is the weakest in recent memory, but there are still some potential stars in the group. For fantasy purposes, there is no rookie defender with more upside than Wilson. The NC State product is upper-echelon in coverage, pass rush skills, and he covers plenty of ground in run support. He was also drafted into an ideal situation, landing with a Pittsburgh Steelers team that can start him and Patrick Queen on the inside together. Better yet, Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin is already speculating that Wilson may be the team's Dime linebacker in Week 1. What that means for fantasy is Wilson may never leave the field. The only questions with the former Wolfpack leader are his health and how quickly he can steal the lead role from Queen. Based on his athletic profile, college film, and reports out of camp, IDP fans shouldn't be surprised if Wilson becomes an LB1 in his rookie season. The Steelers' unit provides plenty of opportunities for tackles, sacks, and turnovers to everyone in its front seven. That opportunity and Wilson's physical gifts could be special.
