Steelers' Roman Wilson Will Have Big Opportunity In 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made major offensive moves so far during 2025 free agency. Most notably, trading for star wide receiver DK Metcalf. The status of Pittsburgh's wide receiver room has been cast into doubt, as many suspected the signing of Metcalf meant the Steelers were preparing to part ways with George Pickens. So far, that hasn't been the case. However, if the Steelers deal Pickens and fail to draft a wide receiver, what kind of depth would the team have at the position? Roman Wilson could be expected to step up if Pickens leaves the team, and according to one analyst, fans should be optimistic about his future.

Ray Fittipaldo appeared on 93.7 The Fan on Friday to discuss his latest mock draft. In it, he discussed the status of the Steelers' wide receiver room and Wilson's future with the team. Fittipaldo called the Steelers' wide receiving corps one of the best in the AFC in terms of talent, and credited Wilson and fellow pass-catcher Calvin Austin III for bringing depth to the lineup. The reporter mentioned that fans should looking forward to WIlson's emergence.

"You would hope so," Fittipaldo said. "Going back to last year's pre-draft process. Mike Tomlin spent a lot of time with him. At the Senior Bowl, he came in here for a visit, and they liked him. He got hurt early, never really recovered, then he got hurt again, so maybe you give him a pass there. You certainly expect him to take another step."

Wilson's very brief professional career has been affected by injuries. He suffered a pedal ankle sprain, causing him to miss most of 2024 training camp. He was later placed on Injured Reserve after suffering a hamstring injury during practice.

At the time of his second injury, Wilson had played just five snaps all season. Wilson has yet to prove his worth as a third-round pick, and it will be an uphill battle to do so, but Wilson still has a chance according to Fittipaldo.

"He's not a young guy," Fittipaldo said. "He stayed for four years at Michigan. He's mature, and he's going to have the opportunity to prove that the Steelers were right in taking him in the third round."

In order to prove himself in the upcoming 2025 season, Wilson will try to climb he depth chart. However, he'll have to compete for a spot in the starting lineup.

Steelers Will Look To Make The Most Of Wilson Going Into His Second Season

Fittipaldo says that the Steelers don't have a true wide receiver three, but Wilson is a promising candidate if he can prove himself. To earn the position, though, he will likely have to compete for it with Austin, according to Fittipaldo.

"Right now, with George [Pickens] and DK [Metcalf] on the outside, you would hope Calvin Austin can be a strong four, and Roman Wilson takes those steps to be a four or a five." 

Fittipaldo said that Austin could potentially become wide reviver three, but that he doesn't view him as the ideal choice, leaving Wilson as the top candidate for the position. With Metcalf and Pickens on the roster, wide receiver three is the highest Wilson is likely to climb on the depth chart.

Fittipaldo also said it was possible for the Steelers to draft a wide receiver; although, it would be someone taken in a later round. The more unchanged the Steelers' receiver lineup remains, the better Wilson's chances of securing the wide receiver three position. 

The Steelers have many holes in their roster, and most are more urgent than the need for a new wide receiver, especially after trading for Metcalf. Given the team's extensive needs on the defensive line along with having the task of replacing Najee Harris, Pittsburgh could just go with with what they currently have in the wide receiver room.

Do you think Wilson will rise in the depth chart? Do you think that the Steelers will draft a wide receiver? Let us know in the comments below.

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