Pittsburgh Steelers LB Payton Wilson didn’t leap as much as many expected him to during his second season in 2025. Wilson still struggled against the run and wasn’t as good a coverage linebacker as he was a rookie, though he was still generally solid in that department. With Wilson, the biggest question is his ability to defend the run and use his speed to get downhill. That’s why Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton’s belief that Wilson could be a bust for the Steelers due to his coverage ability is a bit of a confusing take.
“Wilson has shown the traits to earn a two-down role in run support, but he must show improvement in pass coverage for a true breakout year. Although Wilson stood out as a tackling machine, he struggled in coverage, allowing two touchdowns and a 104.7 passer rating. With Patrick Queen’s inconsistencies as a cover defender, the Steelers need a reliable linebacker on obvious passing downs. Wilson’s time on the field could be limited because of lapses in coverage,” Moton wrote
Wilson’s PFF coverage grade fell to 46.9 last season after he graded at 76.0, fifth among inside linebackers as a rookie. Wilson wasn’t as good in coverage, an area he’s proven he can be reliable in, and he certainly believes in his ability to cover. Last season wasn’t his best, but coverage isn’t why Wilson would flame out.
The Steelers opted to use Malik Harrison over him in obvious run downs, as Wilson didn’t improve as a run defender, his biggest weakness as a rookie. It’s much more likely that Wilson returns to his rookie-year level of pass coverage, but his run defense is the concern.
There’s plenty of reason to believe that Wilson could finally break out in 2026. But if his performance continues to stagnate and lapse, it’s unlikely it’ll be coverage issues. The Steelers have Harrison, Cole Holcomb and Carson Bruener in the mix behind Patrick Queen. If Wilson struggles, one of them could get a bigger opportunity. But Wilson has all the tools in the world to succeed, and entering a crucial third season, a step forward is much more likely than a step back, and that’s especially true when it comes to his work in pass coverage.