Throughout the early parts of training camp, Payton Wilson has showcased an extremely high motor, a special type of athleticism and a mature mindset when it comes to the way he prepares.
So, when the rookie linebacker led the Steelers in tackles Friday night in a 20-12 loss to the Texans at Acrisure Stadium, while also making a few big-time plays and a few mistakes, it came as no surprise to Mike Tomlin.
"He was active on defense, but I think it's kind of reflective of the production we've seen from him in Latrobe," Tomlin said. "So I don't know that any of us are surprised by it. I thought it was a good start individually for him."
To contribute in any way he can, Wilson has voiced his determination to do whatever the Steelers need him to do and that was noticeable early on in his professional debut.
After the first offensive drive stalled out, Cameron Johnston punted to Houston's 5-yard line, where Steven Sims fielded it and took off through a hole toward the right sideline. It looked like there was a possibility he would take it for six but Wilson got off a block and took Sims to the ground to stop the play in its tracks.
Then, on Houston's very next play, its first offensive play of the game, Wilson caught Dameon Pierce's leg in the backfield and tripped him up for a one-yard loss. The play was a true example of Wilson's athleticism.
Wilson made a move toward the backfield as C.J. Stroud handed the ball off to Pierce. He then had to shed a block attempt by Nick Broeker before contorting his body around Larry Ogunjobi, who was being pushed into him by Jarrett Patterson, to trip up Pierce in the backfield.
The 2024 third-round pick finished the game with a team-high six tackles -- four solo and two assists. He shined at times and made the most of his opportunities as he contributed to stopping the run game but also looked comfortable dropping back into coverage.
However, his debut did come with a few mistakes. Cade Stover beat Wilson with a nifty route midway through the second quarter for a 16-yard gain. It came in a 2nd and 10 situation, one play before DeMarvin Leal sacked Davis Mills for an 11-yard loss.
Then, late in the third quarter, Wilson missed two tackles on the same drive. One came on a pass to Cam Akers where Wilson didn't wrap up cleanly enough. But, he slowed the bulky running back down and Mark Robinson finished the play.
"Definitely made some plays, but, you know, missed some plays too, so just have to continue to work," Wilson said of his debut. "Like I said, we're going to go back to Latrobe. They're going to coach it up, and we're just going to the next game. Just keep stacking games."
That's one attribute that makes Wilson so impressive. The understanding of his mistakes and his ability to learn from them. While he's a rookie, Wilson is 24 years old and played five years at N.C. State. So, the maturity is there. There's a reason DeShon Elliott called him one of the "most mature" rookies earlier in training camp.
Wilson understands he has to learn from those mistakes and come back with his best effort the next time they play under the lights.
“Like I said, the whole camp, you know, you're going against the best in the world. So, I mean, every single play, you have to bring your best, and if not, you will get exposed,” Wilson said. “At the end of the day, ball is ball to me. No matter who I'm playing, what level we're playing at, I'm just going to go out there and just treat it like football."
Wilson did play well enough to earn praise from the guy who played next to him for part of the night in Elandon Roberts.
After the game, Roberts said Wilson was "real poised" and "played good and fast." In fact, Wilson said Roberts, along with Patrick Queen, were coaching him throughout the night anytime he came off the field. Wilson said Queen had an iPad ready after each drive to go over plays and different reads.
So, now with real live-game action on tape, Wilson is ready to get back to work. He knows there's room for improvement and is prepared to bounce back next Saturday against the Bills.
"It's the first one, so definitely didn't want to mess up on any of my responsibilities and stuff, still getting comfortable with the whole defense," Wilson said. "But I mean, not as, not as good as I wanted to play, but definitely, you know, just a start, you know, just excited to stack days. Can't thank Jesus Christ enough for this opportunity. And, you know, making it the next game is going to be awesome. And I can't wait to get back out there."
