Analyst says Steelers drafted the Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year

The Steelers had yet another strong draft, which is viewed by most experts as one of the best in the league. 

Pittsburgh's 2024 NFL Draft class is so highly regarded that NFL Network analyst Rehtt Lewis believes it landed the next Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year.

"Sign him up for a hundred tackles already," Lewis said of linebacker Payton Wilson, via Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot. "It's gonna happen. He was an absolute monster on the field for NC State. He has a GPS to the football. Blew up the NFL Scouting Combine with his athleticism."

Wilson, the Steelers' second third round pick (No. 98), won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the top defender in the country and the Butkus Award as the nation's best linebacker after registering 138 total tackles, six sacks, one forced fumble, three interceptions and six passes defensed in 2023.

Most experts had Wilson projected as a late first or early second-rounder, but his extensive medical history likely scared teams away.

Pittsburgh was not one of those, however, and it may pay massive dividends for the team if Wilson can stay healthy.

The Steelers first three selections in the draft were offensive players, two of which were offensive linemen. So, who does Lewis think will win OROY?

"I'm giving it to Roman Wilson," Lewis added. "So go Roman Wilson and Payton Wilson...there it is, your rookies of the year."

Lewis didn't elaborate on Wilson, Pittsburgh's first third-round pick (No. 84), but the team has had a glaring hole at wide receiver after trading Diontae Johnson to the Panthers earlier this offseason.

Wilson should immediately fill Johnson's role following his strong 2023 campaign in which he reeled in 48 catches for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns for the College Football Playoff National champion Michigan Wolverines.

The 22-year-old is a bit undersized, standing at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, but he plays much bigger than he is. Plus, there's no arguing against the Steelers, who have excelled at drafting wide receivers outside of the first round.

Two third-round picks winning yearly awards would be surprising, but both players are certainly set up for success in their rookie seasons with Pittsburgh.