NC State linebacker and Hillsborough native Payton Wilson turned heads at the NFL Combine with an unofficial 40-yard dash time of 4.44 seconds, the fastest by a linebacker at the event. Projected as a Day 2 pick after a six-year career at NC State, Wilson has met informally with several NFL teams. He expressed excitement for the 40-yard dash, viewing it as a fun challenge, and has sought advice from his childhood idol, Luke Kuechly. Wilson's performance, highlighted by a 4.44 unofficial 10 split, has sparked interest, showcasing his speed, physicality, and work ethic as key attributes for the NFL.
NC State’s Payton Wilson Runs the Fastest 40 by a Linebacker at the NFL Combine https://t.co/bR8AN4RMut
Payton Wilson was moving! 4.44u 🔥 (via @NFL) https://t.co/JqcM5g1ii5
4.44 40 by LB Payton Wilson. This is insane 😳 https://t.co/UJWgZv8YqP
OMG! 🤯 @PackFootball's Payton Wilson with a 4.44u, the fastest of the day so far! (via @NFL) https://t.co/JqcM5g1ii5
Didn't expect Payton Wilson to hit 4.44. I don't think he quite has that speed on tape, but the upside along with the production will be tough to ignore
NC State RB Payton Wilson just ran a 4.44u. He is currently the leader 🔥 https://t.co/VXv8bxK1qL
Payton Wilson running a 4.44 is BEYOND impressive📈 https://t.co/xOFZ3gekEb
A new Day 1 leader. Payton Wilson of @PackFootball with a 4.44u. 👀 📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork 📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/lValfnTQGT
Payton Wilson 4.44 unofficial 40. 1.51 unofficial 10 wow https://t.co/MuSi1lRxb5
PAYTON WILSON IS #H11M https://t.co/GwvNvgJy2Z
NC State LB Payton Wilson 40: 4.44 (Unofficial)
Will Payton Wilson Be One of the Fastest Linebackers in the History of the NFL Combine? https://t.co/SIwqCZAPuz
Payton Wilson will go through the NFL Combine testing today. He has high expectations for himself going into the event. More from Wilson: https://t.co/t2Eg1Z0MrY https://t.co/XNfa2bE3k3
What did NC State’s Payton Wilson Say on the NFL Combine Podium? https://t.co/eKpIEOi6pH
#NCState LB Payton Wilson appears to have everything you want in your starting ILB. He’s confident, hardworking, and enjoys physicality. https://t.co/mlzycmF7Hc
Linebacker Payton Wilson is projected to be a Day 2 pick after a stalwart, six-year career at NC State. The Hillsborough native said he’s met informally with a lot of NFL teams. One cool #Panthers tidbit: He grew up a huge Luke Kuechly fan. Full quote: https://t.co/IWBM1A9znR
Payton Wilson said he feels his game is built to handle playing more in space and matching up, which is where the NFL is going. Wilson also said he wants to show whoever he meets in the hole (run defense) that he's the man. https://t.co/vdgYw6CPT6
No hesitation when I asked LB Payton Wilson what event he’s looking forward to - the 40, said it’s gonna be a ton of fun Said he’s also been able to lean on Luke Kuechly for advice throughout this process He’s going to have a massive week here