Los Angeles Rams Draft Target: Will Payton Wilson Fall to Round 2?

The Los Angeles Rams haven't been projected to take a linebacker early in the NFL Draft. But could the right prospect find their way to Los Angeles on Day 2?

Sep 22, 2023; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Rams have a pivotal decision ahead of them at No. 19, but it seems that a prospect at a high-value position will be on the way. Between the heir to quarterback Matthew Stafford, a future starter at offensive tackle, or helping the pass rush, several options are viable for Los Angeles.

In Round 2, though, the team may find itself adding the most talented player available, regardless of position.

The Rams are well positioned to boost the spine of their defense on Day 2, specifically through selecting one of the draft’s top linebackers.

Sep 22, 2023; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

There’s an argument to be made that NC State linebacker Payton Wilson is the best linebacker in this year’s class. However, given the state of the position and his own warts, he’s an option at No. 52 instead in Round 1.

Payton’s hype justifiably begins with his incredible athleticism. His 4.43-second 40-yard dash stands out, and his 10- and 20-yard splits help showcase his short-area burst is as good as his long speed. It shows up on film, too. Wilson is rangy in pursuit, quick to fill gaps, and may have the best coverage skills of any linebacker in the class.

He’s better in zone coverage than in man, allowing his strong processing to shine through, but teams will likely be keen on his upside as a linebacker who can stay on the field on passing downs. 

On the other hand, there are minor concerns about his play against the run and major hesitation attributed to his injury history, which hosts a litany of lower-body ailments as well as a shoulder injury that could give teams pause. Given the amount of collisions he’s bound to find himself in, a less-than-100-percent shoulder could quickly become a lingering issue.

Ultimately, Wilson projects as a Will linebacker who can join Ernest Jones as a consistent contributor in the second level of Los Angeles’ defense. With Jones entering a contract year, both sides are hopeful an extension gets done, but a Wilson selection offers some insurance, injecting the linebacker room with more talent – even if he’s not a one-to-one replacement.

Depending on how the board falls, a more pressing need may take priority. But the Rams have earned the right to make a luxury pick, and a Wilson selection still offers more for the current window than, say, a developmental quarterback or a lineman forced to wait in the wings.

If the front office isn’t scared off by his medical red flags, Wilson could find himself in Inglewood after the draft’s second day.