In a surprising move during the NFL Draft on Friday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected linebacker Payton Wilson as the 98th overall pick. Wilson, who had an outstanding final year at North Carolina State, was projected to be chosen higher but ended up falling due to concerns surrounding a specific injury.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Wilson, who is now 24 years old, is missing an ACL in one of his knees. This uncommon injury reportedly scared off some teams despite his impressive performance on the field. Despite the missing ACL and a history of injuries, Wilson has never missed a game and amassed an astounding 150 tackles during his time with the Wolfpack.

Rapoport explained that Wilson's knee injury is complicated by a left shoulder injury that was not successfully operated on, making it a lingering concern. However, the linebacker's resilience and ability to perform have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, he recorded 138 total tackles and six sacks, leading him to win the Chuck Bednarik Award for the best defender in college football and the Butkus Award as the top linebacker. He was also named a unanimous All-American, first-team All-ACC, and ACC Defensive Player of the Year.

Despite the injury history, the Steelers were not deterred and viewed Wilson as a valuable asset to their defense. Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin expressed his admiration for Wilson's football instincts, speed, and physicality. With a 4.43 40-yard dash time, the fastest among all participating linebackers in the NFL scouting combine, Wilson brings an added dimension of speed to Pittsburgh's defense.

The Steelers organization is no stranger to employing players with missing ACLs, with former players like Greg Lloyd and Hines Ward having achieved notable success despite their similar injuries. Wilson's determination to overcome his laundry list of injuries and excel both in college football and as an NFL draft pick is certainly commendable.

"I play with my hair on fire," Wilson said, emphasizing his relentless dedication to the game. Aware of the fragility of a football career, he plays each game with maximum effort, appreciating the opportunity to compete.

While Wilson's injury history may have affected his draft position, the Steelers believe they have found a gem in his talent and are confident that he will contribute significantly to their defense. With his exceptional tape and impressive accolades, Wilson's unique journey to the NFL only adds to his determination to succeed at the next level.

The Steelers' decision to draft Payton Wilson in the third round demonstrates their belief in his abilities despite his injury concerns. Only time will tell how the linebacker will overcome his unique challenges and make his mark in Pittsburgh.