Earlier than the 2024 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers had an absence of depth at extensive receiver, just like now. They’d hoped third-round rookie Roman Wilson may assist fill that void. Sadly, accidents sidelined him for primarily his whole rookie 12 months. Professional Soccer Focus’ Trevor Sikkema doesn’t suppose Pittsburgh can afford to have that occur once more.
“I perceive he was going via accidents, however like, rattling man, we gotta get him to bounce again to what we noticed with him that final 12 months at Michigan,” Sikkema mentioned whereas talking with Dalton Wasserman on a stay stream uploaded to PFF’s YouTube channel on Monday. “As a result of straight up, the Steelers want him. He needs to be WR2 on that staff, behind DK Metcalf now. So, you want a bounce-back, breakout, no matter you wish to name it efficiency from Roman Wilson, I used to be slightly upset we didn’t see extra from him final season.”
It’s clearly not Wilson’s fault he received injured. Nonetheless, it’s laborious to disclaim that his incapacity to play damage the Steelers. Calvin Austin III did step up considerably. Except for him, although, the Steelers tried to patch a number of below-average receivers collectively to fill that void, and it simply didn’t work.
After the Steelers traded for DK Metcalf in early March, it felt like Wilson was in a great place. Having each Metcalf and George Pickens on the sector would have opened up loads of beneath house for Wilson, who’s a savvy route runner. With Pickens now gone, Wilson might be in a greater place, with extra targets. Nonetheless, he’s additionally going to have much less favorable matchups, and extra stress to achieve normal.
For what it’s value, Roman Wilson has gotten some good opinions to this point this offseason. Though it’s solely been three days of OTAs to this point, Wilson appears to be any person the Steelers have quite a lot of religion in. However will he be capable of stay as much as these expectations in 2025?
Sadly, that looks as if one thing the Steelers are going to should roll the cube on. Though there’s been hypothesis about them doubtlessly including a receiver, that hasn’t occurred but.
The instruments are actually there for Wilson. Sikkema mentions his remaining season at Michigan, and it was a powerful one. He caught 48 passes for 789 yards with 12 of his 20 collegiate receiving touchdowns.
Wilson’s 2025 season shall be an fascinating one to observe. Clearly, the principle storyline shall be whether or not he offers the manufacturing the Steelers desperately want on the place. If he doesn’t, it will likely be fascinating to see how the Steelers strategy the 2026 draft.
It’s well-known that the Steelers appear to be focusing on a QB in that draft. If Wilson, or Austin don’t pan out in 2025, although, does Pittsburgh take into consideration taking a receiver with an early decide additionally? Metcalf is on the town for the lengthy haul, however apart from him, there wouldn’t be an thrilling younger possibility on the place if neither Wilson nor Austin impress. Roman Wilson’s sophomore season is vital for him and the staff in 2025. It may additionally form the Steelers’ draft technique subsequent offseason.
