Rookie Profile: Roman Wilson, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers
This is the Rookie Profile for 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 both receptions and yards and came in first in receiving touchdowns. By the season’s conclusion, he had accumulated 25 receptions, 420 yards, and scored three touchdowns.
As a junior, Wilson and Michigan’s pass production regressed. Wilson had a limited role in the offense, 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 during his time in 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 participated in the NFL Combine and strengthened his standing as a day 2 wide receiver by achieving an 8.59 Relative Athletic Score (RAS). The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Wilson in round 3 with pick 84 of the NFL Draft.
Measurables
Draft Capital & Landing Spot
Draft Capital- Round 3 Pick 84
- Roman Wilson’s senior season at Michigan propelled him up draft boards. He was the go-to guy for the national championship Michigan Wolverines and J.J. McCarthy, which translated to Wilson being drafted by Pittsburgh 84th overall and going over some more well-known prospects, including Troy Franklin, Javon Baker, Jalen McMillan, and Jacob Cowing.
Landing Spot – Pittsburgh Steelers
- I think Roman Wilson has landed in a great spot. Unlike Ricky Pearsall, who is buried on the depth chart in San Francisco, Wilson will have little competition for targets with only George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth to contend with. He will be the starting slot wide receiver from day one and fits the mold of a Steelers wide receiver. Wilson is a tough wide receiver who loves to block.
Team Depth Chart
Expected Role: Slot Wide Receiver
Depth Chart via Fantasy Pros
Fantasy Impact
Roman Wilson finds himself in an intriguing situation for fantasy football. He is expected to have a significant role for Pittsburgh starting from week 1 of the NFL season. However, given that he will be part of a Russell Wilson-led offense with Arthur Smith calling the plays, there are questions about how effective he can be in fantasy football. The type of player in fantasy that is likely a better NFL than fantasy football asset. I currently have Roman Wilson as the 65th-ranked wide receiver in the dynasty and the 158th overall player.
Check out The Fantasy Football Universe Sneak Peek Video of Roman Wilson
Check out our 2024 Rookie Rankings Page for a full breakdown of this rookie class.
