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C.J. Leslie has been signed to play for the Sacramento Kings’ summer league squad. I must admit that I am not hopeful that C.J.will be able to stick with the Kings. When it comes to stability, the Kings are far from steady. They could possibly be one of the worst-run organizations in professional sports. Their new owner Vivek Ranadive suggested that the team play 4 on 5, in order to have someone on offense full-time.

Although C.J. has outstanding raw athletic ability, and he has flashes of NBA talent, it just hasn’t all came together like it should. I know that Leslie draws a lot of ire from Pack fans, but I want to walk away from that. Yes, he could have been a lot better, and he could have lead the Pack to much more success had he displayed a better attitude and consistent effort. But that is all in the past.

C.J. has the ability to shine in the summer league given his athletic ability and length. I have always thought that if C.J. would just stay within himself, he would be good enough. If he can give 100 percent effort and use his length and agility to defend, then he could find a way into the association. I say that because there are not many 6’9″ guys with his combination of speed, length, quickness, and leaping ability.

Offensively he has limitations, but if he can use his speed and explosiveness to attack the rim he could make an NBA roster. I compare C.J.to Jeff Green, who is on the Memphis Grizzles. Like Green, C.J. is long and athletic and can guard multiple positions. However, Green has proved that he is more gifted offensively, but C.J.can learn from him. Jeff Green isn’t a great shooter, but he plays to his strengths. He gets his points from the paint with posts-ups, transition, and the free throw line.

This summer league C.J. has to show the NBA that he is capable of falling into line. He cannot have any issues off the court. He must be on-time and early. Then, on the court he has to show that he can defend, rebound, block shots, and handle the ball. Every team in the NBA needs a 6’9″ swiss army knife to do the dirty things to win games. Does C.J. have it in him? Many will question it, but only C.J. can prove people wrong or right!

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Pack in the Pros

Mike Tomlin’s Thoughts on the Steelers Drafting NC State’s Payton Wilson

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1 week ago

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April 29, 2024

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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was ecstatic that NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson was available for Pittsburgh to pick up with the 98th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

“We had to get comfortable with his medical and we brought him in on a pre draft visit. We allowed our medical experts to really get a good evaluation of him. We talked to him about his injury history. We were at a place of comfort. And so from that perspective, man, we’re really excited about having him.” (Link)

“Man, we’re really excited about Peyton. When we turn his tape on, we see him making all the type of plays you need linebackers to make. He’s a volume tackle player. He makes plays in the passing game from a coverage perspective via interception and pass breakup. He gets after the quarterback in the blitz game. He’s got a very well-rounded skillset. He’s a fluid mover. He can run. Had an opportunity to lay some real up close eyes on him down there in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, we’re thankful we had an opportunity to get him. He’s got all the hardware that comes with some of those things that I described being a Butkus Award winner and so forth. We had to get comfortable with his medical and we brought him in on a pre draft visit. We allowed Our medical experts to really get a good evaluation of him. We talked to him about his injury history. We were at a place of comfort. And so from that perspective, man, we’re really excited about having him.” (Link)

“I think you could characterize it as surprised. I mean, he is an award-winning linebacker, Butkus Award winner. Had an opportunity to get really familiar with him down in Mobile as well. But the linebackers themselves weren’t coming off the board at that juncture. So sometimes they make runs on positions at different times and it hadn’t been a lot of linebackers to that point. I think what he was number five or so.” (Link)

“We’re really excited about Payton. When we turn his tape on, we see him making all the types of plays you need linebackers to make. He’s a volume tackle player. He makes plays in the passing game from a coverage perspective via interception and pass breakup. He gets after the quarterback in the blitz game. He’s got a very well-rounded skill set. He’s a fluid mover. We had to get comfortable with his medical, and we were. We brought him in on a pre-draft visit to allow our medical experts to really get a good evaluation of him. We talked to him about his injury history. We were at a place of comfort, and so from that perspective, we’re really excited about having him.” (Link)

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Pack in the Pros

Payton Wilson will Wear #41 for the Pittsburgh Steelers

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1 week ago

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April 28, 2024

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Former NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson, who was drafted by Pittsburgh in 3rd round on Friday night, will wear the #41 for the Steelers.

Wilson spent his entire collegiate career at NC State wearing the #11. He wore the #11 at Orange High School.

It will take some getting used to recognize him in the #41 jersey. Currently, Steelers Wide Receiver Van Jefferson is wearing the #11.

Here’s a look at other Pittsburgh players who have worn the #41.

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NC State Football

NC State CB Shyheim Battle Receives Invitation to Jets Rookie Mini Camp

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1 week ago

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April 28, 2024

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NC State Cornerback Shyheim Battle has received an invitation from the New York Jets to participate in their Rookie Mini Camp.

Battle had 1 year of eligibility remaining, but declared for the NFL Draft on January 3rd.

He finished this past year as the most experienced player on the Wolfpack’s defense, starting in 41 of the 51 games he has played in dating back to 2019. In a rarity in this day-and-age, Battle was a 4-year starter at the Cornerback position for NC State. He graduated with a degree in Communications.

In his final season in Red and White, Battle had 46 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 4 pass breakups and 1 fumble recovery. His PFF Grade of 70.6 was the 7th best on the Wolfpack defense.

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NC State Football

NC State PK Brayden Narveson Signs Undrafted Free Agent Deal with the Titans

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2 weeks ago

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April 27, 2024

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NC State Place Kicker Brayden Narveson has signed an Undrafted Free Agent Deal with the Tennessee Titans.

In his one season in Raleigh, Narveson made 18 of his 23 Field Goal attempts for the Wolfpack, and made all 38 Extra Point attempts. Narveson made some history in his one season at NC State, kicking a 57-yard Field Goal against Duke, breaking the school record for the longest Field Goal.

Narveson ranked 4th in the ACC in Field Goals attempted (23), and 5th in Field Goals made (18) this season. He ranked 9th in conference in scoring (7.1 points per game).

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