North Carolina State Linebacker Payton Wilson Shines at NFL Combine, Impresses with Fastest 40-Yard Dash Time
The NFL Combine is a crucial event for college football players looking to make their mark and impress scouts ahead of the NFL Draft. This year, one player who stood out among the linebackers was North Carolina State’s Payton Wilson. With his impressive performance, Wilson emerged as the biggest winner of the day.
Wilson’s speed was on full display as he blazed through the 40-yard dash in a remarkable 4.43 seconds, the fastest time among all linebackers. This lightning-fast sprint showcased his explosive power and agility, making him a standout prospect for NFL teams in need of a speedy linebacker.
But Wilson’s athleticism didn’t stop there. He also posted an impressive 34.5-inch vertical jump and a 9’11” broad jump, demonstrating his ability to generate power and explosiveness off the ground. These numbers further solidified his status as a top prospect in this year’s draft.
In addition to his physical prowess, Wilson also showcased his smooth movement and potential as a coverage linebacker during the change-of-direction drills. He displayed little to no hitches, proving his ability to seamlessly transition and change directions on the field. This skill set is highly valued in today’s NFL, where linebackers are often required to cover tight ends and running backs in pass coverage.
While Wilson’s on-field performance was exceptional, there are still concerns about his medical evaluation. However, his outstanding showing at the combine undoubtedly boosted his draft stock and put him on the radar of many NFL teams.
Another linebacker who had a notable performance at the combine was Edgerrin Cooper. He delivered an impressive 4.51-second 40-yard dash time, tying for third among linebackers. Cooper also showcased his athleticism with a 34.5-inch vertical jump and displayed smooth transitions during the four-bag drill. These performances solidified his position as a strong prospect in this year’s draft.
However, there were some areas of concern for Cooper. While his weight of 230 pounds was an improvement from his previous measurements, it is still considered on the lighter side for an NFL linebacker. This may raise questions about his ability to hold up against bigger and more physical opponents at the professional level.
Another linebacker who participated in the combine was Wallace. While he posted a respectable 40-yard dash time of 4.51 seconds, he struggled with changing directions during untimed drills. His rounded turns and slower transitions raised doubts about his lateral movement skills. This performance may require a reevaluation of his status as a top prospect.
Lastly, Nathaniel Watson from Mississippi State generated some buzz with his impressive production numbers at the end of the college football season. However, his lackluster performance during the combine workouts raised concerns about his explosiveness. With a 9’3″ broad jump and a 31″ vertical jump, Watson ranked second-to-last and third-to-last, respectively, among the linebackers who tested. These numbers indicate a potential lack of explosiveness and could impact his draft stock.
Overall, the NFL Combine provided an opportunity for linebackers to showcase their skills and make a lasting impression on scouts and coaches. Payton Wilson emerged as the standout performer with his blazing speed, impressive vertical jump, and smooth movement. While there were other notable performances, such as Edgerrin Cooper’s solid showing, some players like Wallace and Watson will need to address concerns raised during the combine. As the draft approaches, teams will carefully evaluate these prospects and make decisions that could shape the future of their franchises.
