2024 Exclusive Sneak Peek: Roman Wilson, WR Michigan
Welcome to the Exclusive Sneak Peek: Roman Wilson, hailing from Honolulu, Hawaii, attended the University of Michigan after graduating from St. Louis High School. He was rated as a 4-star recruit by ESPN and 247 Sports and was ranked the #38 wide receiver in the 2020 recruiting class.
During his freshman year in the 2020 season, he played in all six games for the Wolverines. However, he did not make much of an impact, only totalling nine receptions for 122 yards and one touchdown.
In the 2021 season, he showed improvement and played in all 13 games for Michigan. He ranked third in terms of both receptions and yards and came in first in receiving touchdowns. By the conclusion of the season, he had accumulated 25 receptions, 420 yards, and had scored three touchdowns.
As a junior, Wilson and Michigan’s pass production regressed. Wilson had a limited role in the offence, catching only 25 passes for 376 yards and 4 touchdowns, as the team didn’t emphasize the passing game. It would be a recurring theme with his time at Michigan.
Wilson put it all together in his senior year, leading the Wolverines in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, and helping guide Michigan to a national championship. His impressive season included 48 receptions, 789 yards, and 12 touchdowns.
Roman Wilson has announced his declaration for the 2024 NFL Draft. He attended the Senior Bowl and emerged as one of the top performers. He now heads to the NFL combine as the next step in the process.
Measurables
Height: 5’10” (13th-percentile)
Weight: 186 lbs (15th-percentile)
Age: 22.5
Class: Senior
NCAA Statistics
| Receiving | Rushing | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| 2020 | Michigan | Big Ten | FR | WR | 6 | 9 | 122 | 13.6 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 9.0 | 0 | 10 | 131 | 13.1 | 1 |
| *2021 | Michigan | Big Ten | SO | WR | 13 | 25 | 420 | 16.8 | 3 | 3 | 59 | 19.7 | 0 | 28 | 479 | 17.1 | 3 |
| *2022 | Michigan | Big Ten | JR | 12 | 25 | 376 | 15.0 | 4 | 2 | 39 | 19.5 | 2 | 27 | 415 | 15.4 | 6 | |
| *2023 | Michigan | Big Ten | SR | WR | 15 | 48 | 789 | 16.4 | 12 | 1 | 10 | 10.0 | 0 | 49 | 799 | 16.3 | 12 |
| Career | Michigan | 107 | 1707 | 16.0 | 20 | 7 | 117 | 16.7 | 2 | 114 | 1824 | 16.0 | 22 | ||||
Scouting Reports
Strengths
- On tape, his elite athleticism is obvious. He possesses great speed and agility.
- He has excellent ball-tracking skills and can locate the ball anywhere on the field.
- He can play inside or outside at the next level, as he is a slot-plus player.
- Strong hands that help him make up for his smaller size in contested catch situations.
- He is difficult to stay with one-on-one, as he uses his athleticism and route running skills to consistently create separation.
- Smooth player who makes things look effortless at times.
Weaknesses
- Although possessing elite speed downfield, the ability in short areas is somewhat lacking.
- Size limits upside at the next level.
- Want more Yards After Contact from a player as fast as Wilson is?
- It would be great to see him improve his route tree to become a more well-rounded receiver.
- He never had an outstanding season in college. It’s uncertain what his true potential in the NFL is.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Expected Draft Capital: Round 2/3
Ideal Landing Spot: Las Vegas Raiders 77
Roman Wilson is the definition of a mystery box prospect. Watching his tape will have you falling in love with certain things he can do on the football field, as a vertical slot for an NFL team. The issue is he was never able to put it all together (partly due to the offence he was in.)
The Raiders are in need of a player who can open up the offence and support one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, Davante Adams. Except for Adams and Jakobi Meyers, the Raiders’ wide receiver room is short of talent. Wilson would be a great addition to this group and could assist in the growth of the 2024 quarterback, potentially Justin Fields.
Roman Wilson is a promising football prospect from Michigan. Although he possesses certain skills that are appealing, he was not able to have an exceptional college season. although he is expected to perform well at the next level and could be a good player to consider for fantasy football managers, draft capital will likely play a major role in determining that. Profiles as a potential WR3/4 in fantasy football.
Check out The Fantasy Football Universe video breakdown of Roman Wilson below.
