Leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft starting on April 25th, we will be releasing several draft profiles of prospects who could potentially see themselves on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Next up...
Roman Wilson (Wide Receiver), Michigan, Senior
Roman Wilson stands in at 5'11" tall, weighing 185lbs, and is one of the most twitched up athletes in the class capable of making an instant impact in the NFL.
Junfu Han / USA Today Network
Roman Wilson is an explosive athlete that once the ball is in his hands, he can make anyone miss.
Steelers Overview
There are some players that are able to make plays regardless of the circumstances, and Wilson is one of those players. He is a very sudden and explosive athlete that can make things happen quickly with the ball in his hands. Overall, the offense he played in during his time in college limited his statistical upside, but he proved in his senior season he is a well rounded wide receiver capable of taking on many roles in the NFL.
Pros:
- Consistent hands
- Outstanding acceleration, at top speed in a hurry
- Doesn't slow down at the catch resulting in a lot of yards after the catch
- Tough and physical competitor
- Smooth runner, doesn't look out of control
- Can attack all three levels of the field
Cons:
- Limited production until senior season due to subpar offensive scheme
- Small frame, had some injuries in his career
- Struggles at run blocking, but not because of lack of desire
- Needs to change speeds throughout routes to create additional separation
- Settling in zones could be improved
- Fighting through contact has been a challenge at times
Everyone understands the Steelers wide receiver room is a mess at this moment. That is due to the team having released Allen Robinson and having traded away Diontae Johnson, as well as not signing anyone additional yet. With Arthur Smith bringing in a new offense that puts an emphasis on passes down the field off of play-action, and the lack of bodies in the wide receiver room currently, getting an explosive athlete like Wilson just may be high on their priority list.
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Roman Wilson can effect all three levels of the defense with his dynamic play making ability.
Route Running and Separation
The amount of exposure here wasn't as high as many would have liked due to the offense he played in, but when given the opportunity Wilson showed the ability to run the full route tree and have success doing so. Whether it be vertical routes down the field or intermediate routes over the middle, Wilson showed good technique and the ability to create separation on a consistent basis.
Athleticism and RAC
Being a very explosive and sudden athlete, Wilson can do some really good things with the ball in his hands. He does a good job no decelerating once he makes the catch, which allows him to remain near full speed and gain yards quickly. Being fast and twitchy, he has the ability to make people miss in the open field, but doesn't dance more than he has to before getting up field. He will struggle to break even some arm tackles due to his size, but that is of little concern.
Kirby Lee / USA TODAY Sports
Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson was a standout for the Wolverines that could be a consistent presence for the Steelers in the passing game.
IQ and Hands
Strong and sudden hands are a good combination to have, and by possessing that, you'll rarely see Wilson dropping a pass. He contests at the catch point like he is well beyond his stature, which is very helpful considering he received a lot of targets deep down the field. Wilson shows a good understanding of how to manipulate his man in one on one coverage, but a little better understanding against zone would be nice to see at the next level.
NFL Comparison - Tyler Lockett
This may be one of the easiest comparisons I will write this year. Both Locket and Wilson have great acceleration with good top end speed that lets them test the defense deep, but most importantly, they just get open. Helps the comparison that they are similar in stature as well.
Draft Projection - Day Two Pick
In a top heavy wide receiver class, it is hard to see Wilson finding his way into the top 32 picks. However, whoever gets him in rounds two or three will be very happy.
Let us know below what you think about Wilson as a prospect and the potential of seeing him in the black and gold! What other prospects would you be interested in seeing a profile on? Click to comment below!
Other Potential Steelers Draft Picks
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