The NFL season has come to an end after the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. Over the season, several NC State alumni made key plays in big moments. Let’s take a look at the most impactful NFL Pack Pros from the 2024 season.
Germaine Pratt, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals’ biggest weakness this past season was their defense, ranking 25th in the NFL, but one of the strongest components of that side of the ball was linebacker Germaine Pratt, who had a solid year in 2024, excelling in tackling and contributing.
The 2019 third-round pick was a consistent playmaker for the Bengals as he recorded 80 total tackles — good enough for 12th in the NFL — and two forced fumbles. Pratt also performed well in coverage with two interceptions.
B.J. Hill, Cincinnati Bengals
Another key playmaker for the Bengals was defensive tackle B.J. Hill, who had the second-most tackles and passes defended of his career. Hill was disruptive in the middle of the Bengals’ defense with 56 tackles and three sacks.
Hill has been a valuable interior defensive player for the Bengals since he was traded to them by the New York Giants shortly before the 2021 season. He has now been teammates with his college roommate, Pratt, for four years and they have been bright spots for an otherwise lackluster Bengals defense.
Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
At the beginning of the season, the Steelers rolled with quarterback Justin Fields as their starting quarterback but soon changed to quarterback Russell Wilson as the signal caller. Wilson performed well in his first year with the Steelers, acting primarily as an effective offensive manager.
Wilson only threw five interceptions in 2024, something that’s valuable to a Steelers team that relies on their defense. Wilson totaled 2,482 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns and a 51.3 QBR. Those numbers ranked 22nd in the league, which doesn’t seem too impressive at first glance, but Wilson did not play for a portion of the season, so he didn’t have big numbers like other quarterbacks. Wilson played well for the Steelers and led them to a 10-win season and playoff appearance.
Payton Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
After falling to the third round of the draft, linebacker Payton Wilson became one of the best rookie linebackers in the NFL. Wilson came into the 2024 season well-known for his high-caliber play at NC State but fell to the third round in the NFL draft due to concern regarding past injuries. Despite these concerns, Wilson had a successful rookie campaign in the Steel City.
Wilson saw limited playing time in 2024 due to his rookie status, but when he was on the field, he made the most of it, racking up 49 total tackles and forcing a fumble. Wilson has also made big plays in big moments throughout his time in Pittsburgh.
Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders
The best NFL Pack Pro at the wide receiver position in 2024 was Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, who joined the Raiders in 2023 after four years with the New England Patriots and has become one of, if not their biggest playmaker at wide receiver.
In 2024, Meyers recorded 87 receptions for 1,027 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 11.8 yards per reception, the highest of anyone on the Raiders. The only Raider to have more reception yards than him was tight end Brock Bowers. With the departure of Davante Adams to the New York Jets, Meyers soon became wide receiver one, and it looks to be that way going into 2025.
