When the Steelers drafted wide receiver Roman Wilson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, they knew they were getting a player with elite speed and polished route-running. What they may not have expected is just how quickly he’d rise into the starting conversation.
According to multiple reports from Steelers Depot, Wilson is turning heads in OTAs and minicamp, and there’s growing belief that he’s already locked in as the leading candidate for the WR2 role, opposite George Pickens.
“The buzz around Roman Wilson just keeps growing,” one team insider noted. “He’s winning reps, gaining chemistry with the QBs, and looks ready.”
Following the offseason trade that sent Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, the WR2 spot was up for grabs. While veterans like Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins were brought in for depth, it’s been Wilson — the rookie from Michigan — who’s taken command of the opportunity.
Coaches have reportedly praised Wilson’s ability to grasp the playbook, get open quickly in short-yardage situations, and consistently make plays during red zone drills. His timing and chemistry with Russell Wilson has also been described as “natural and ahead of schedule.”
“He’s not just running fast — he’s running smart,” one coach told Steelers Depot. “And that’s what we need in a WR2.”
With George Pickens commanding CB1 attention and likely to stretch the field vertically, Roman Wilson fits seamlessly as a reliable outlet underneath — especially in third-down and slot situations. His skill set complements Pickens, and his versatility allows him to shift between outside and inside alignments.
What it means for the offense
If Wilson locks in as WR2, it gives the Steelers a balanced, flexible receiver group:
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Pickens as the deep threat and WR1 alpha
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Wilson as the precision route-runner and possession WR
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Watkins/Jefferson as rotational vertical threats
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Pat Freiermuth at tight end as a red zone option
It’s a unit that — while young — is shaping into a cohesive group capable of supporting Russell Wilson in his first year as Pittsburgh’s quarterback.
The bottom line
The Steelers may have struck gold with Roman Wilson. While he still has a full training camp to prove he can carry the WR2 load, all signs point toward the team preparing to hand him the keys sooner rather than later.
“He’s making plays every day,” another coach said. “It’s hard to keep a guy like that off the field.”
