2024 NFL Mock Draft Part 2: Second-round selections for each NFC North team
By Beau Adams
Roman Wilson. Michigan Wolverines. 61. . . WR. player. Nmd61. Roman Wilson. 50
At No. 61, the Detroit Lions select Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson. The Lions add J.J. McCarthy's favorite target to make his transition easier and add depth at the position.
During his first year as a freshman at the University of Michigan in 2020, Wilson saw action in six games, making nine receptions for 122 yards at an average of 13.6 yards per reception, one touchdown and an exceptional QB rating when targeted (115.8). In 2021, he played thirteen games the following year, catching 25 passes for 420 yards and three scores, with a still-impressive QB rating when targeted (94.0). As a junior in 2022, Wilson played eleven games and had 20 receptions for 272 yards with a 13.6-yard average and three more touchdowns, along with another excellent QB rating when targeted (124.7). This year, he has recorded 36 catches for 589 yards with 10 touchdowns in nine games.
As for his draft stock, Wilson's long arms give him a more prominent presence than his size indicates, but he can add more weight. His ball tracking and catching abilities are noteworthy, especially in contested catch situations. Plus, he has strong hands and is very competitive. He is also nimble and has the unique speed to be a breakaway threat. Wilson’s acceleration is excellent, and he can adjust to off-target throws with good ball-tracking and body control. Additionally, he is a willing contact runner, albeit not particularly powerful.
J.J. McCarthy And Roman Wilson Stay In Michigan With The Lions
If you blinked you missed it pic.twitter.com/e7YbbFR2V3
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) November 5, 2023
He will be a threat at WR2 next to Amon-Ra St. Brown, with Jameson Williams in the slit, a dangerous trio for the Lions. With the current offensive line, Jahmyr Gibbs, T.J. Hockenson, and this pass-catching group, it could make it really easy for McCarthy to step into Jared Goff's shoes when the time comes.
Stay tuned for the conclusion of NFLMocks’ midseason mock draft for the NFC North. This time we will focus solely on Round 3, when the Packers get a quarterback, and the Bears finish stacking their future dynasty.