Payton Wilson, who was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 98th overall pick in the NFL draft, saw his draft position affected by a significant injury concern. Specifically, it was reported that the 24-year-old linebacker is missing an ACL in one of his knees, which led to several teams being hesitant to select him earlier despite his outstanding performance in his final year at North Carolina State.

By the Numbers
  • Payton Wilson was chosen as the 98th overall pick in the NFL draft.
  • Reportedly, he is missing an ACL in one of his knees, which raised concerns for several teams.
Yes, But

No significant counterarguments or complexities were reported.

State of Play
  • Payton Wilson's exceptional on-field performance earned him several prestigious awards and recognition, despite his injury history.
  • The Pittsburgh Steelers, familiar with effective players with missing ACLs, expressed confidence in Wilson's abilities and potential contributions to their defense.
What's Next

Wilson's resilience and determination in overcoming injuries to become an NFL draft pick suggest that he is prepared for the challenges at the professional level. His performance and impact in the upcoming season will be closely observed.

Bottom Line

Despite injury concerns stemming from a missing ACL and a history of other injuries, Payton Wilson's exceptional talent and determination led to his selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers, setting the stage for a compelling narrative as he enters the next phase of his football career.