The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to test their rookies this weekend in minicamp, as the new members learn the ropes of Steelers football. Third round draft pick Roman Wilson goes into camp with the assumption that he will be the WR2, behind George Pickens. Wilson, out of Michigan, told reporters at camp that it just felt like home to him, which made him a whole lot more comfortable.
Wilson, 22, started 24 career games at Michigan, catching 107 passes for 1,707 yards and 20 touchdowns. Wilson was also named Second Team All-Big Ten in 2023, as Michigan's top threat in the pass attack. Wilson and Pickens will likely be leading the receiving group for the Steelers in 2024, catching passes from offseason addition, quarterback Russell Wilson.
As the Steelers still to this point have not made any significant splash moves in the wide receiver market this offseason, Wilson's role in the Steelers' offense will remain vitally important. Many fans are still holding on to hope that the Steelers make a trade for a guy like Brandon Aiyuk, but it is entirely possible that the team has full faith in Wilson getting the job done behind Pickens.
During rookie minicamp, Wilson was asked how he was adjusting to the new environment in Pittsburgh, and he says he feels more than welcomed by the franchise. Wilson doesn't seem to be under any pressure, whatsoever.
"It's been really good. I love it out here. It feels normal to me. It feels like home. So, it's good."
Wilson then went on to appreciate the coaching staff, like Head Coach Mike Tomlin and others, and mentioned that he feels that his game on the field is improving already.
"Coach Tomlin, Coach [Arthur] Smith, and Coach [Zach Azzanni] just make me feel like family. They make me feel comfortable. They coach me really hard, and I just feel like I'm getting better already."
Pickens was in a similar situation to Wilson two offseasons ago, as he was drafted in the second round out of Georgia. Pickens was joining a Steelers wide receiving room that also only had one solidified starter, Diontae Johnson. Now, Pickens has filled Johnson's role and Wilson is the new kid on the block looking to make plays as the rookie.
The Wilson to Wilson connection is hopefully a special spark that the Steelers will be able to unload in their new offense in 2024. With Pickens' elite pass catching and Wilson's speedy routes, the passing game has the potential to be extremely effective. Wilson also reacted to him joining Pickens and the rest of the crew.
"Just following them, trying to be like them. Trying to be great, learning from them and just bonding with them."
If Wilson can learn some snazzy moves from Pickens, then look out for a break out rookie year.
Steelers' Pass Attack Should Be Much Different In 2024
After two seasons of Kenny Pickett at quarterback, having Russell Wilson at quarterback should bring a new level of experience and talent to the offense. Not only is Wilson more experienced and talented than Pickett was, he will also be playing under center in a Steelers offense where they should have a vastly improved offensive line. Pickett struggled much at times due to the lack of pass protection, but Pittsburgh should have those issues resolved after drafting three linemen last month.
Not only that, but the rushing attack is also expected to be more effective, with new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. Once the running game opens up more with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, that will leave more space for Wilson to pass the ball deep down field to Pickens and the new third rounder.
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