Luke Kuechly praises NC State LB Payton Wilson ahead of 2024 NFL Draft

Former Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly has been retired for four seasons now, but is still regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of the organization in Charlotte. But could he influence who Carolina selects in the upcoming NFL Draft?

Kuechly joined the ‘Up & Adams’ show on Wednesday and was asked who he’d like to see the Panthers select in the upcoming NFL Draft. Revealing that a linebacker that’s already in the state has really caught his eye throughout his career.

“At the draft I always look at linebackers and there’s a guy that I loved watching for a long time up at NC State, Payton Wilson,” Kuechly said. “He ran extremely well, was in the 4.4s, and he’s been super productive and he plays really hard.”

Wilson was the fastest linebacker at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, running an impressive 4.43 40-yard dash following a standout college career with the Wolfpack. Playing in 42 games for NC State where he recorded a whopping 402 tackles to go along with 48 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, and seven interceptions.

He took home a bunch of hardware following the 2023 season, named a unanimous All-American and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year while also taking home prestigious awards like the Butkus and Chuck Bednarik awards. As Kuechly couldn’t help but marvel at Wilson’s combine footage when it started playing on the broadcast.

“Look at him run right there. He’s got great hair, he’s jacked, he looks good,” Kuechly said.

“I like Payton Wilson, I’ve liked him a lot,” he added. “He’s obviously right up the street in Raleigh at NC State.”

Wilson has drawn comparisons to Kuechly in the draft evaluation process, with the two sharing similar size and awards after Kuechly also took home the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and Butkus awards as an All-American linebacker at Boston College.

“He’s taller than me, and he’s faster than me, and he’s gonna be in the NFL so I’m jealous of those guys,” Kuechly admitted. “All these guys that are coming out you talk to them and they’re like what would you change? What would you do differently? I said I’m so jealous of you guys, and I had so much fun playing football.”

Kuechly continued sharing the sage wisdom he gives to upcoming linebackers who stand in the shoes he’s already walked in. Inspiring the next generation of players to appreciate the present more than worrying about their futures.

“I miss playing, I enjoyed it so much. We had a great group of guys here and that’s what I tell these guys is just have fun man, enjoy it. Take a step back every once in a while and just see how fortunate you are to be in the NFL,” Kuechly said.

The Panthers do not have a first-round pick in the upcoming draft following their trade for the No. 1 overall pick last year. But do have six other picks to potentially keep the homegrown Wilson in the state of North Carolina for his high school, college, and professional career.