Pittsburgh Steelers rookie watch 2024: Can Roman Wilson excel in Year 1?
Roman Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers could turn out to be the perfect marriage. Selected with the No. 84 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the former Michigan star has the ability and traits to be the next quality wide receiver drafted by this AFC North squad.
It could be a lot to ask of a third-round pick, but the big question entering training camp is whether Wilson could emerge as the Steelers’ No. 2 wide receiver behind George Pickens. After training away Diontae Johnson, the Steelers do have a void to fill. Once which could end up being a battle between Wilson and Van Jefferson.
Roman Wilson is going to be a favorite target for Pittsburgh Steelers QBs
Whether its Russell Wilson or Justin Fields at quarterback for the Steelers, the rookie receiver has the attributes to be a favorite target of either quarterback. With a 4.39 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine, he has the speed the Steelers love in their receivers, but above all it is his ability to create separation and competitive nature that will make him an instant favorite target for a QB.
As the top receiver on the national champion Wolverines, Wilson caught 48 receptions for 789 yards with 12 receiving touchdowns. Not explosive numbers, but Michigan was a team that strived on the run game.
With more opportunity on the next level, could Wilson be a breakout rookie for the Steelers?
Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder believes the opportunity is there for Wilson to do just that.
Holder writes:
“Wilson is the first rookie breakout candidate as he has an excellent opportunity to immediately become the Steelers' No. 2 receiver behind George Pickens. The Michigan product's biggest competition for that role will be Van Jefferson, who is playing for his third team in two years, so the third-round pick should see plenty of targets this fall.”
It would benefit the Steelers most if Wilson was the No. 3 receiver in his rookie year. Not that he won’t or can’t break out as a No. 2, but that is a lot of pressure on a player in his first season. Though he has the football maturity, he will need some time to adjust to the NFL and find his niche in the system. That could happen right away for a player who has the explosiveness to stretch the field.
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Again, it’s going to depend on both Pickens and Jefferson. Can Pickens stay focused and motivated as the No. 1 receiver and can Jefferson find his own niche as the Steelers No. 2 receiver. If both those things happen, it will give Wilson a chance to grow into his role on the team and be a productive player in the offense Year 1. Whether he breaks out right away or not, one thing to bet on is that Wilson will provide some explosive moments in his rookie season.