The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2024 NFL Draft in need of wide receiver help. They addressed that by selecting Roman Wilson in the third round, hoping he'd bring a spark to a receiving corps that would struggle to produce behind George Pickens. However, Wilson suffered an ankle injury less than a week into training camp, delaying his debut.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Roman Wilson getting coached during rookie mini-camp.
Despite the setback, Steelers fans are eager to see Wilson in action. Some believe he could be ready to play this Sunday at home against the Los Angeles Chargers, though that remains uncertain. On the bright side, the injury has given Wilson extra time to study film and mentally prepare for his rookie season.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Wilson was asked about the film he's been watching during his recovery. He revealed that he's been focusing on one particular star wide receiver, someone he’s eager to model his game after.
"Right now, l've been watching a lot of Mike Evans," Wilson said Thursday. "I just feel like his technique is very underrated, and he's played in the league and done so good for such a long time. Why wouldn't I want to be that guy?"
Wilson recently admitted that he's been watching a significant amount of film on Tampa Bay Buccaneers star wide receiver, Mike Evans. Evans, who has been in the NFL since 2014, has established himself as one of the league’s premier wide receivers.
From the moment he stepped on the field as a rookie, Evans made an immediate impact, hauling in 68 receptions for 1,051 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns. Over the course of his stellar career, he has consistently produced at an elite level, accumulating 770 receptions for 11,783 yards and an impressive 96 touchdowns.
Don Montague / AP Photo
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) celebrated after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears.
Wilson has made it clear that he admires Evans' game and even remarked that it only makes sense to emulate a player of his caliber. Though they differ in some key areas, there’s a lot Wilson believes he can absorb from Evans' style of play.
Evans is known for dominating on the outside, using his size and physicality to win one-on-one matchups. Standing at 6'5" and weighing 231 pounds, Evans is a towering presence on the field, often overpowering defensive backs. In contrast, Wilson, who is 5'11" and 185 pounds, brings a different skill set to the table. The Steelers expect Wilson to thrive in the slot, where agility and quickness are more crucial than size.
While their roles and physical attributes differ, Wilson sees value in studying Evans' techniques. Whether it's his route-running, ability to create separation, or knack for making contested catches, Wilson believes there are many lessons he can apply to his own game.
By learning from one of the NFL's most reliable receivers, Wilson hopes to refine his game and bring a new level of excellence to the Steelers' offense.
He understands that while he may not have Evans' size, the technical aspects of the position—such as footwork, timing, and positioning—are universal. Watching a seasoned veteran like Evans allows Wilson to sharpen his football IQ and enhance his impact on the field, regardless of where he lines up.
Steelers' Roman Wilson Appearing Ready To Make His NFL Debut
Wilson will face significant pressure when he returns to the lineup. While the Steelers' offense has shown some improvement, they continue to struggle with scoring touchdowns. Getting Wilson back on the field should help open things up for Pittsburgh.
Gregory Shamus / Getty Images
Steelers' Roman Wilson yells during a game at Michigan.
Despite playing in a run-heavy system in college, Wilson consistently made an impact, even without the ball in his hands. He's a gritty player who embodies the Steelers' ethos, and Steeler Nation is eagerly awaiting his NFL debut. When that will happen remains to be seen, but based on recent reports, it seems Wilson is getting close.
#SteelerNation
