Steelers' Roman Wilson Detailed That He's Comfortable Playing At Different Positions

The Pittsburgh Steelers wanted to add more offensive weapons during the 2024 NFL Draft, and that is exactly what they did by selecting Roman Wilson out of Michigan in the third round. Wilson joins a revamped offense compared to what Pittsburgh fielded during the 2023 campaign. Despite his third round pedigree, Wilson knows that he will need to earn whatever spot he gets on the roster.

The Steelers limped their way through an extremely frustrating 2023 season, during which Pittsburgh historically fired Matt Canada midseason. Wilson represents an aggressive series of moves that are aimed at creating an offense that can compete at the highest level of the league. As the Steelers' 2024 rookie camp is underway, Wilson was asked where the team had been lining him up during the practices.

"I'm just playing wherever they tell me; inside, outside, I'm just going there, so it's probably a little bit of everything right now, maybe."

Wilson played for a well-known college program that wins a lot, and that is the kind of mindset the Steelers are hoping the young receiver can bring to the team. George Pickens enters 2024 as Pittsburgh's top receiver, and the trade that sent Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers created a void. While Wilson won't be expected to emerge as a complement to Pickens right away, the hope is that the Steelers found themselves yet another dynamic receiving option on the later days of the draft.

Following the second day of rookie camp, Wilson spoke to reporters about how things were progressing and how he was settling in. The rookie pass catcher was asked about where he played more in college, outside or the slot, and if that might impact where he ends up playing for the Steelers.

"I mean, uh, I can't say for sure, I played both, that's who I am. I feel comfortable playing both."

Pittsburgh will be looking to Pickens to break through and become the true, elite NFL receiver they drafted him to be. With Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, Quez Watkins, Scott Miller, Denzel Mims, Marquez Callaway, and Dez Fitzpatrick all vying for catches, Wilson will certainly have his work cut out for him during this evaluation period. It bodes well for Wilson, though, that he isn't daunted by the prospect of being used in a variety of positions and situations. For a rookie receiver, the most important thing is to be coachable and flexible, and it already appears as though Wilson is taking both of those traits seriously.

The Steelers have the most expensive defense in the league, and for good reason. The desire for Pittsburgh in 2024 is to let the running game do its job and create a smooth offensive flow, while the defense will handle the rest. With TJ Watt, Patrick Queen, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joey Porter Jr., and Cameron Heyward leading the way, the offense should feel comfortable that it is in good hands no matter what.

Steelers Giving Their Receivers A Better Shot In 2024

While the Steelers did make it to a Wild Card game during their 2023 season, it was hardly a victorious campaign overall. Canada was fired, the Kenny Pickett era ended in a sudden, anticlimactic manner, and injuries defined most of the year. After several necessary moves by Omar Khan, Pittsburgh's quarterback room has gotten a major upgrade, with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields competing as they enter Pittsburgh's 2024 training camp.

Roman Wilson is coming into a locker room that has grown by leaps and bounds during the 2024 offseason. The quarterback overhaul is one issue that was addressed, but they also invested heavily in the offensive line, made a major move for Queen, and have shown every indication that they want to start contending in the league again. While the young rookie receiver will have to be patient and earn whatever role he eventually carves out, the players throwing him the football will be fully capable of giving him every chance to be successful.

Pickens will need a reliable receiver beside him if he is to reach the heights both he and the team hope for. Wilson understands the uphill battle he has before him, but if he can seriously contribute to the passing game, it could be that needed boost to Pickens' game that turns him into the elite pass catcher he wants to be.