As Steelers rookies gathered this weekend for their first minicamp, the team announced several draft picks, including Roman Wilson, had signed their first contracts.
Wilson, the former Michigan Wolverine star, was Pittsburgh’s first of their two third-round picks during last month’s NFL Draft. Like all the other rookie draft picks, he signed a four-year contract.
Steelers also reached deals with Payton Wilson, Ryan Watts
In addition to Wilson, the Steelers also signed Payton Wilson, their second pick in the third round, and sixth-rounder Ryan Watts. Wilson is an inside linebacker who was a unanimous All-American at NC State. He also won the Butkus (top linebacker in the country) and Bednarik (best defensive player) in 2023.
Meanwhile, Watts, the former Texas Longhorn, likely will play safety with the Steelers.
On Friday, Pittsburgh announced the signings of versatile defensive end Logan Lee (sixth round, Iowa) and guard Mason McCormick, the Steelers’ fourth-round pick from South Dakota State.
The Steelers started the draft by picking offensive linemen — Washington’s Troy Fautanu in the first, then West Virginia’s Zach Frazier in the second.
Wilson was first Pittsburgh’s first drafted offensive skill player
Roman Wilson was the first offensive skill player selected by Pittsburgh. And he likely will have an early chance to get on the field as the Steelers rework their offense with new coordinator Arthur Smith. At Michigan last season, Wilson caught a career-highs 48 receptions for 789 yards and a dozen touchdowns.
“We’re really excited to add Roman Wilson, another really high football character player, a lot of production last year at Michigan, part of that really impressive class in the draft this year,” Smith said, according to the team’s official site.
Smith mentioned Wilson’s “competitiveness.” He added “I think you can see his instincts on tape. I thought he stepped up in the big moments. And, he had great energy about him too. We’re just really excited to add that kind of value and experience as a rookie and add to that receiver room.”
Meanwhile, Payton Wilson and Watts also fulfill a big need for the Steelers. Watts can play any position in the secondary. And he talked about his versatlity.
“I could fit anywhere, really,” he told reporters. “I feel with my size and my speed and moving my body. I feel like not a lot of 6-3 corners can move like I can. So, to be able to just keep developing. I feel like I can be played at safety, nickel, corner. I feel like I can just maximize my potential anywhere.”
And Payton Wilson said the style of Pittsburgh defense inspired him when he was growing up.
“Growing up watching the Pittsburgh Steelers defense, that is the way I model how I play,” he told reporters. “Hard, fast, physical and playing as tough as you can play. Super excited to get with everyone there and continue to elevate my game.”
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