2024 NFL Draft Review: One pivotal rookie for each team in the AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers – WR Roman Wilson (Round 3 – Pick 84)

The Steelers used their first two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft on offensive lineman.  Both Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier should have help solidify the offensive line as starters, but the draft pick who could be most pivotal for the Steelers is third-round pick Roman Wilson.

In a deep wide receiver class, the Michigan product was ranked as one of the top 10 prospects entering the draft and he has the skillset to replace what the Steelers had in Diontae Johnson.  With either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields at quarterback, Wilson’s speed and deep threat ability will remind fans of a young JuJu Smith-Schuster. 

The Steelers offense will also be familiar to Roman Wilson who caught 48 receptions for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns in a run-first Wolverines offense in 2023.  The Steelers like to run the ball, but they will be looking to open it up through the air in 2024.  Wilson could be a big part of that passing game along with George Pickens, Van Jefferson and tight end Pat Feiermuth.

With a history of drafting good wide receivers in the later rounds, the Steelers may have hit the jackpot with Wilson, who could help turn the Steelers offense into an explosive offense in 2024.