The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for always having a highly capable defense. The expectations for the unit are sky-high heading into the 2025 season as it will be the fourth consecutive year that Pittsburgh is rostering the highest-paid defense in the league. The group is headlined by stars at every level, with some of the most notable being TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, and Jalen Ramsey. However, in order to have the best defense in the league, Pittsburgh is going to need to see some of the younger guys stepping up. Someone to keep an eye on is inside linebacker Payton Wilson.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 27, 2025 in Latrobe, PA.
Wilson was one of the more exciting picks for the Steelers during the 2024 NFL Draft, and he did not disappoint during his rookie year. He tallied 78 total tackles, an interception, and he also recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown. Fans are looking for Wilson to have another successful season, which probably includes taking another step forward. Team insider Mark Kaboly has noticed a difference in Wilson while being in Latrobe, which he posted to social media.
"You know that big jump that Tomlin talks about from being a rookie to being a second-year player being significant?" Kaboly asked. "It’s real, at least for Payton Wilson, and it's likely not in the area you were expecting. Wilson has morphed into a different football player, more than just on the field. A guy who barely spoke last year, Wilson has been one of the more vocal players on the defense, which already has some big personalities. The trash talking, the vocal leadership, and the intensity have been off the charts through the first week, and it’s been relentless. I can’t admit that we would see that from Wilson this early in his career, but here we are."
It seems as though Wilson is trying to take on more of a leadership role during his second season with the team, and he is also trying to make more of an impact with his play. He played well as a rookie, but some fans are expecting him to take a major leap in 2025. This could propel him into Pro Bowl status, or something close.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Payton Wilson (41) and former Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) make a tackle on Ravens running back Derrick Henry in 2024.
Wilson has been extremely vocal throughout camp, and he has even been taking shots at some of his own teammates in the media. Kaboly has heard him down on the field between the whistle, which is something Pittsburgh needs as a part of its defense. Kaboly believes this is all a result of Wilson being more confident and comfortable in his role.
"All that means to me is that he’s much more comfortable in his role – a role where he doesn’t want to come off the field for any reason," Kaboly wrote.
During the 2024 season, Wilson played a decent amount, but he only started four total games. Elandon Roberts would usually be the other linebacker next to Patrick Queen when it seemed like a running situation, while Wilson would be on the field in obvious passing scenarios. Wilson wants to be a three-down linebacker in 2025, which is certainly possible.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Payton Wilson runs for a touchdown after the defense caused a turnover against the Bengals in Week 13 of the 2024 season.
Steelers' Payton Wilson Is Not Lacking Confidence
Wilson is flying high heading into 2025, and rightfully so. He has come out and point blank said that he is one of the best coverage linebackers in the world, which is something he will be looking to prove once the regular season kicks off. He is going to need to be a key contributor for Pittsburgh if they want to be the best defense in the league, especially if he plans on being on the field in all scenarios.
What do you think about Kaboly's analysis of Wilson? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
