It has been no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers have been trying to fill the void left by Diontae Johnson when he was traded away in March. Omar Khan stayed busy in the offseason trying to find the receiver that can live up to the job. Bringing in Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, and Quez Watkins during free agency in hopes one of them could be able to fill the role. However, another addition was made during the 2024 NFL Draft. In the third round, the Steelers selected Roman Wilson out of Michigan.
Grace Beal / Michigan Daily
Former University of Michigan and now Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (#14) celebrates as he gallops into the end zone during a home collegiate football game in Ann Arbor, MI.
Wilson, who had a stellar senior season with the Wolverines, was a huge piece to their National Championship run in the 2023 season. Wilson finished the season with 48 receptions with 789 yards and 12 touchdowns. Making the College Football Playoffs in three of his four years in college, he knows what it takes to be a championship caliber player. One of his traits that many Steelers scouts and coaches loved about him is his willingness to block in the run game.
During the 2024 NFL Draft, there was interest by the Steelers to select Wilson in the second round, but they ultimately went with Zach Frazier, a center out of West Virginia. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, when it was their turn to pick in the third round, Wilson was still available. During the Reese's Senior Bowl, Mike Tomlin challenged cornerback Quinyon Mitchell to go against Wilson during the 1 on 1 drills.
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Steelers' Roman Wilson yells during a game at Michigan.
Wilson, going through his first NFL training camp, is making the most of his opportunities when he can. In day two of camp, he was running with the second team, showing off his crisp route running and able to beat corners off his breaks. After having a great day two of camp, he was seen after practice working with Russell Wilson and Pat Freiermuth by media members waiting to talk with the players, soaking in their knowledge and running routes with Russell Wilson throwing him balls.
Roman Wilson with his first training camp 7 shots touchdown catch on a dart from Kyle Allen in traffic. Good finish by the rookie receiver against the 2s.
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) July 26, 2024
In day three of training camp, a bigger opportunity fell into Wilson's lap: first team reps. He made the most of them, especially beating Beanie Bishop in the slot for a big gain along the sidelines, catching the football over Bishop's head. He continued to show off his elite route running, consistently getting open. Many members of the media that were present for day three of training camp, including Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, were very impressed with what they saw from Wilson Saturday and seem to believe his stock is rising within the organization.
#Steelers QB Justin Fields finds WR Roman Wilson on a slot fade. pic.twitter.com/WXJhbTrbx7
— Jay Turner (@JaySTurner) July 27, 2024
The Steelers are known for their development of wide receivers taken in later rounds of the draft in recent years. Receivers like Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Martavis Bryant, and Mike Wallace to name a few. Wilson could be another name mentioned on this list when it is all said and done. Khan stated after the first day of camp that they are happy with their current wide receiver group and not looking at a trade currently, so it leaves the door wide open for Wilson to take the job as the WR2.
Could The Steelers Rookie Receiver Be The Answer?
Many Steelers fans have voiced their concerns of the current state of the wide receiver room. With many journeymen competing for the spot left by Johnson, Wilson could sneak into the position. Can Wilson continue to build off a great first three days, or will another receiver emerge as the clear cut wide receiver two for the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below.
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