The Pittsburgh Steelers addressed their need at wide receiver by selecting Roman Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Choosing Wilson at that position was an obvious move for the Steelers, who had been seeking a wide receiver since the trade of Diontae Johnson.
The Steelers have received widespread acclaim for their drafting performance in 2024. Omar Khan seems to be consistently hitting home runs in this draft, garnering praise from many observers. NBC Sports NFL Analyst Chris Simms highlighted the steal of Wilson in the third round, where he was drafted 84th overall by the Steelers.
“Stop me if you’ve heard this before. The Steelers stole a good WR in the middle rounds. Roman Wilson was my #5 WR, I think he would have been in the Day 1 convo if his offense gave him more chances. I get Steve Smith/Stefon Diggs vibes from him.”
Wilson's success at Michigan played a pivotal role in the team's journey to winning the National Championship. Despite the Wolverines' emphasis on a ground-and-pound style of play, Wilson showcased his talent by securing 48 receptions for 789 yards and an impressive 12 touchdowns during the 2023 season.
Simms astutely observed that Michigan's conservative passing game didn't fully showcase Wilson's capabilities, as they primarily relied on a run-heavy strategy. Had the Wolverines gave Wilson more chances, Simms believes he would have been a day one wide receiver.
The Steelers recognized Wilson's potential and were particularly drawn to his multifaceted skill set. In recent seasons, the Steelers had encountered challenges with wide receivers who were unwilling to contribute as blockers. Wilson, however, brings a refreshing attitude, eagerly embracing the physical aspects of the game and demonstrating a willingness to engage in blocking duties.
Despite his proficiency as a blocker, Wilson remains a dynamic wide receiver with a diverse skill set. He possesses the ability to create separation, excel in route running, and make crucial plays down the field. His versatility and commitment to both receiving and blocking make him an ideal fit for the Steelers' offensive scheme.
The consensus among pundits is that the Steelers secured a steal in the third round by drafting Wilson. His combination of athleticism, work ethic, and team-oriented mindset make him a valuable asset for Pittsburgh as they look to bolster their receiving corps and continue their pursuit of success in the NFL.
Steelers Have Filled Plenty Of Needs Already In 2024 Draft
While the true measure of a draft's success unfolds over time, the initial impressions have left Steelers fans brimming with excitement. With each passing round, the team's strategic approach has garnered widespread approval.
The acquisition of Troy Fautanu, a standout offensive tackle, injects strength into the team's front line. Equally promising is the addition of Zach Frazier, a seasoned center poised to make an immediate impact from day one. Payton Wilson's selection at linebacker stands out as a steal, further fortifying the team's defensive prowess.
Admittedly, there remains a lingering need for reinforcement at cornerback. However, the collective performance in the draft's early stages has instilled a sense of optimism among Steelers faithful. As they eagerly await the unfolding of the season, the team's proactive and astute drafting decisions have set a promising tone for the future.
Steelers fans are already counting down the days until they can see Wilson on the field. His energy and mindset should be a big boost for the wide receiver room. A room that many fans have been very concerned about.
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