In 2024, a number of of the Pittsburgh Steelers rookies performed giant roles for the workforce. Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick stepped up alongside the offensive line. Beanie Bishop Jr. made some performs on the protection. And whereas Payton Wilson didn’t start the 12 months with quite a bit on his plate, his workload grew because the season progressed. Going into his second season, Wilson just lately talked in regards to the space of his sport that he’s most targeted on bettering.
“Confidence,” Wilson mentioned Tuesday by way of Coaching Camp Dwell on the Steelers’ web site. “Simply with the ability to give guys like Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt a name with out hesitating and being like, ‘If I give them the improper name, this and that.’
“Realizing the protection just like the again of my hand and getting again to taking part in the sport somewhat than considering the entire time, worrying about making a mistake,” Wilson added. “Now, it’s nearly making the performs and making the massive performs somewhat than nervous about being improper.”
Being a rookie within the NFL usually isn’t straightforward. Adjusting to the dimensions and velocity of the sport could be troublesome. Nonetheless, Wilson had a superb rookie season general. He struggled in some areas, most notably run protection, however his athleticism was on full show. His vary in protection was a pleasant profit for the Steelers’ protection.
Now, he ought to have a bigger function on the workforce. Whereas Patrick Queen nonetheless figures to be the workforce’s prime inside linebacker, Wilson needs to be proper beside him with Elandon Roberts gone.
Subsequently, he’ll must have larger confidence. Issues within the NFL occur quick, particularly on the sphere. Communication was a serious subject for the Steelers’ protection final 12 months, but when Wilson can higher discover his voice, that needs to be much less of a priority in 2025.
This 12 months, the Steelers protection is loaded with much more expertise. Gamers like Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay and Derrick Harmon ought to enhance their weaknesses from final 12 months. If gamers like Wilson may take a step ahead, Pittsburgh may have among the finest defenses within the league. The Steelers have Tremendous Bowl aspirations, but when they need to win a championship, their protection might want to play to its full potential.
