Steelers Insider Believes Fans Are 'Overrating' 1 Offensive Player

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a lot of changes to their roster this offseason, sparking plenty of excitement and optimism about what lies ahead. As the offseason moves forward, the team appears to be tying up loose ends. With training camp just around the corner, anticipation continues to build as fans look forward to seeing how the new additions will blend in. Still, it's not only the newcomers worth watching, there are returning players who will catch attention as well.

With training camp approaching, conversations about the Steelers' roster are heating up even more, and everyone seems to have their own take on which players will make the biggest impact this season. On a recent episode of the Chipped Ham & Football podcast from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko broke down the team’s outlook. During their discussion, Batko asked Fittipaldo which player he believes fans are overrating the most heading into the season. Fittipaldo’s surprising pick was wide receiver Roman Wilson.

"In terms of overrated, and I hate to do it... but just in terms of being a third round pick last season, if people were expecting Roman Wilson to jump in here, and have like 600 receiving yards or anything like that, I just don't see it," Fittipaldo responded. 

One of the most discussed position groups this offseason has been the wide receivers, especially with all the changes the Steelers have made. The team has been searching for a reliable receiving duo, and many believed they found it when DK Metcalf was brought in. However, with George Pickens' departure, the question still remains of who will step up and fill that wide receiver two (WR2) role alongside Metcalf.

Steelers Wide Receivers Coach Zach Azzanni previously announced that Calvin Austin III is expected to be the team’s WR2 to start the season. Austin has already started building chemistry with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers through early conversations and workouts. Still, Wilson, a recent third-round draft pick, who was actually selected higher than Austin in his respective draft, remains in the mix for that role. However, Fittipaldo added to his earlier comments, noting that while Wilson’s rookie season was shortened by injuries, he hasn’t seen anything so far that sets Wilson apart as a standout.

"Nothing spoke to me like oh boy, this guy's going to be a playmaker once he does get out there," Fittipaldo added. 

The Steelers certainly aren’t short on options at the wide receiver position. In addition to Austin and Wilson, the team has been consistently linked to several available receivers throughout the offseason. While multiple names have surfaced in connection with Pittsburgh, the lack of a major wide receiver signing in recent weeks suggests the team has at least some confidence in the current roster.

Both players have a strong opportunity to step up and secure a significant role. With a likely future Hall of Famer in Rodgers leading the team, it’s a prime opportunity for these receivers to make a real impact. Austin is still on his rookie deal, but a strong showing could even put him in line for an early extension before the season kicks off. All of this sets the stage for a competitive training camp, where there may not be a battle for that coveted role, both Austin and Wilson will be under pressure to prove themselves.

The Steelers Are Preparing For A Big Season

With Rodgers indicating that this could be his final season in the NFL, the pressure on the Steelers' receivers is even greater. While the entire team has plenty to prove after an offseason full of changes and skepticism, these young receivers have a unique opportunity to shine alongside a quarterback of Rodgers’ caliber. The Steelers have already been linked to potential quarterback prospects in next year’s draft, and making a name for yourself alongside a rookie quarterback, who is also learning and trying to prove himself, is much more challenging. While the future remains uncertain, the current situation creates a real sense of urgency for this season to be a breakout year for either Wilson or Austin.