NFL Draft expert gushes over Payton Wilson pick, Steelers impressive draft

An impressive Pittsburgh Steelers draft class isn't going unnoticed. Shortly after the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft, experts are rushing to hand out early grades, and Omar Khan is being dubbed a genius for knocking it out of the park in his second draft as general manager.

It's easy to look at consensus board rankings and see the value that the Steelers earned this year, but hearing it straight from the lips of one the most respected NFL Draft experts in the business adds another level of authenticity that Pittsburgh's draft haul is as good as advertised.

Recently, NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah joined The Pat McAfee show where he gushed over the Steelers' decision to select linebacker Payton Wilson.

Jeremiah said that Wilson was 'by far' his highest-rated player who was still sitting out there in the third round. The respected draft expert called Wilson 'the best linebacker in the country' and in the draft.

After praising Pittsburgh's decision to take Payton Wilson in Round 3, Jeremiah expressed how much he loves what the Steelers have done in the draft over the past two years. He was sure to point out the changes along the offensive line -- mentioning the additions of Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick in the NFL Draft over the past two years.

Steelers fans should be excited about the 2024 draft class

Daniel Jeremiah's words of affirmation are proof that even third-party draft experts are getting excited about things the Pittsburgh Steelers are doing in the NFL Draft.

I had Payton Wilson ranked as my 38th overall player on my final Top 100 big board entering the 2024 NFL Draft, and I would have taken the gamble on him as early as the second round. At nearly 6'4'' with 4.43 speed and incredible tape, Wilson has the potential to be one of the better linebackers in the league if he can stay healthy.

Wilson wasn't the only great value pick the Steelers made. According to the consensus board, C Zach Frazier and WR Roman Wilson were also considered steals in the NFL Draft. Frazier had been mocked as early as the first round, but he fell to Pittsburgh at pick 51.

Meanwhile, Wilson -- who was the number one receiver on a championship program at Michigan -- was an incredible value at pick 84 in the draft. Considering players like Ricky Pearsall and Xavier Legette went in the first round after a run on receivers, Wilson was not expected to be available where Pittsburgh was picking in Round 3.

Everyone agrees that the Steelers crushed the 2024 draft, and Daniel Jeremiah's encouraging comments were the endorsement we were all waiting to hear.