Speedy receiver from Michigan to Steelers in 3rd round

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – He was one of the most dynamic players for the national championship team as the Steelers continue with an offensive look through the first three picks of the NFL Draft.

This pick, though, weighs nearly half of what each of the first two picks do. The Steelers draft Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson with pick 84 overall. At 5’11”, 185 pounds Wilson brings speed and big plays along with some grit. He averaged 16.4 yards-per-catch last season with 12 touchdowns. In his previous two seasons, Wilson averaged nearly 20 yards-per-catch, but was much more consistent in 2023.

Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said heWilson has the versatility to play inside or outside and the football IQ to handle either. He has great instincts.

“He stepped up in the big moments,” Smith said. “He had a great energy about him when I met him in person.”

There is a little fire behind that energy right now as Wilson said he felt like he was a top 10 receiver and feels like a lot of people doubted him. Wilson said the Steelers expect him to play right away and that’s what he’ll do.

“Someone who is hungry and looking to make the most out of every opportunity he has,” Wilson said of what he will bring. “Someone that has been doubted on and ready to prove people wrong.”

He feels like he came a long way this season. Wilson devoted himself to ‘turning it up a notch’ with every part of his game. He had a touchdown catch in The Game against Ohio State. He caught the game-tying touchdown to force overtime in the Rose Bowl, which doubled as the College Football Playoff semi-final game against Alabama. He finished with 73 yards receiving, leading the team.

The person he is trying to be is a person who had a lot of success with Russell Wilson. The former Michigan receiver has studied Tyler Lockett and believes he has a lot of those traits.

Hawaiian buddy

Even though he is from Maui, he has an old teammate already on the Steelers roster. He is the same age and grade as second-year Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig. It seems as though they share a mindset of doing whatever it takes.

“I feel if your mindset is to win a game, you are going to go out and do whatever your coach asks you to do to help a team win,” Wilson said. “For me it was blocking, if I want to win a game, I’m going to go out there and block my ass off.”

He was urged by Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin at the Senior Bowl to workout hard against first-round corner Quinyon Mitchell. He caught the Steelers attention.