Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson is stepping into what many view as a pivotal year in his young NFL career. Selected in the third round of the 2024 draft, the former Michigan standout has yet to fully establish himself as a consistent contributor on offense.
A significant injury limited his impact as a rookie, and the following season saw him struggle for meaningful playing time, often finding himself lower on the depth chart and even inactive for key games, including a playoff contest.
That limited production has drawn pointed observations from outside the organization. Former Pro Bowl wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. offered a particularly stark assessment of Wilson’s trajectory so far.
“Here’s what I hear. He’s a great kid, excellent blocker … You never wanna hear that when you’re a wide receiver. That’s like the ugly baby,” Smith said on the 89 podcast with James Palmer. “There is value. So much value they drafted someone else.”
The comments underscore the pressure surrounding Wilson as he prepares for another campaign. While he has shown flashes of the athleticism and playmaking ability that made him an appealing draft prospect—most notably a four-catch, 74-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Green Bay Packers—those moments have been infrequent.
More often, he has been used in rotational or decoy roles, running routes without drawing significant targets. Inconsistent execution and questions about chemistry with previous quarterbacks appear to have contributed to his limited trust from the prior coaching staff.
Yet the landscape has shifted in Pittsburgh. Under new offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy, the Steelers are expected to lean more heavily into the passing game, employing principles of a West Coast scheme that could play to Wilson’s strengths.
His quick acceleration off the line and ability to create yards after the catch align well with an offense designed to generate opportunities in space. Wilson has also demonstrated reliable hands in key moments, including a contested touchdown reception against the Packers. Building rapport with quarterback Aaron Rodgers could further unlock a larger role for the young receiver.
Competition within the wide receiver room adds another layer of urgency. The team’s decision to draft Germie Bernard introduced a fresh challenger with a complementary skill set.
The two young pass-catchers have already begun working together away from the facility under the guidance of a well-known receivers coach, pushing one another while Wilson has taken on a leadership presence in those sessions. As training camp approaches, the progress Wilson shows in practice and preseason will likely determine how extensively he features in the regular-season plans.
For a player still early in his career, this season represents a clear chance to rewrite the narrative. The talent that earned him a third-round selection remains evident.
The question is whether he can convert that potential into consistent production and earn the trust required to become a reliable option in the Steelers’ reimagined offense.
