Some of NC State football’s most talented players were deservedly rewarded with opportunities at the NFL level this season with projections to make immediate impacts on Sundays. Featuring the likes of linebacker Payton Wilson, center Dylan McMahon and more, let’s dive into the biggest rookie Pack Pros in the NFL this season.
Payton Wilson, linebacker
It takes a rare player to jump off the screen the way Wilson did with the Pack. Numerous trophies, titles and distinctions marked his senior year at NC State. Wilson was named the best linebacker in the country with the Butkus Award and was named the best overall defensive player with the Bednarik Award.
Nonetheless, NFL teams remained skeptical for reasons outside of the former four-star’s indisputable talent. Knee and shoulder injuries marred Wilson’s early years at State and even date back to his high school years, giving a number of teams hesitation throughout the draft process.
At the NFL combine, Wilson came out with the highest overall performance score of any linebacker in Indy, showcasing what made him so successful as a positionless player on defensive coordinator Tony Gibson’s defense. That masterclass led Pittsburgh to take a chance on Wilson in the 3rd round of the NFL Draft, hoping to bank on his superstar potential.
The polished rookie currently sits second on the Steelers’ depth chart at inside linebacker behind recently signed Pro Bowler Patrick Queen. Wilson was Pittsburgh’s leading tackler in its preseason opener against Houston and finished the preseason with 9 tackles and one tackle for a loss.
Dylan McMahon, center
McMahon may be NC State’s most substantial loss on offense, regardless of position. After starting 44 games in Raleigh, the three-time All-ACC-Academic standout seeks to continue where he left off for the Wolfpack. Although he endured uncertain quarterback play throughout his tenure, McMahon stood out with a consistency and poise that emulated his captain status.
Showcasing his traits at the NFL Combine with a 7.26-second 3-Cone Drill — which was second among all linemen — the nimble center proved intriguing to multiple teams prior to draft night. His overall athleticism score of 95 ranked second among all linemen in the draft. In the end, it was the Eagles who snagged the former fifth-year graduate student in the sixth round of the draft.
The 23 year-old seemed to be a perfect fit in head coach Nick Siriani’s offense, as it relies heavily on sweep and counter plays led by athletic, pulling interior lineman like the recently retired Jason Kelce. However, despite a solid training camp and a seemingly comfortable preseason showing with Philly, McMahon was curiously waived during the team’s final roster preparations. He was signed to the team’s practice squad less than a day later and will spend the year learning behind seasoned veterans.
Trent Pennix, tight end
Pennix played unique roles under multiple offensive coordinators at NC State, playing both running back and tight end during his years with the team. The offensive chess piece finished his career with 41 carries for 240 yards paired with 55 catches for 712 yards and 12 total touchdowns.
Pennix competed in the Wolfpack’s pro day, playing both running back and tight end to highlight his versatility. His 4.60 40-yard dash and 36.5-inch vertical reiterated his ability to play with the best in the class, as both performances ranked third among tight ends and top-seventeen among running backs at the combine.
Following the draft, Pennix signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Colts and spent training camp on the roster at the running back position. After sustaining a groin injury early in the preseason, Pennix was added to Indy’s injured reserve prior to reaching a mutual injury settlement with the team in order to be released and seek new possibilities during recovery.
Other notable players
Long snapper Joe Shimko spent the offseason with the Arizona Cardinals competing for a spot on the sideline. However, his effort ultimately fell short. The reigning Patrick Mannelly Award winner, given to the nation’s top long snapper, will search for a workout opportunity elsewhere.
Coming off the heels of a quality rookie preseason showing with the Titans, kicker Braydon Narveson was waived by Tennessee and quickly claimed by the Packers. The move for Green Bay, who recently cut its starting kicker, paves the way for Narveson to immediately be first on the depth chart.
Savion Jackson couldn’t find his place in a crowded Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher rotation, getting waived early last week. Like Jackson, cornerback Robert Kennedy III was also waived by the Chargers during its roster trimming. Kennedy was on the cusp of making the 53-man roster, leaving optimism that he could find a new home.
