The Pittsburgh Steelers need reliable pass catchers in 2025, no matter who the quarterback is. There are a few young options in the wide receiver group who have an opportunity to grab the proverbial brass ring and carve out a significant role in the offense this season. One name fans are watching closely is 2024 second-round pick Roman Wilson.
The Michigan product took just five snaps in his rookie season as he battled a few lower-body injuries throughout the season. It was a disappointment, especially considering the Steelers’ track record of finding talented receivers on Day 2 of the draft.
As they say, everyone looks good at OTAs, but seeing Wilson on the field running crisp routes and catching passes in stride has Steelers fans hopeful that Year 2 holds much more excitement for the soon-to-be 24-year-old receiver.
“I don’t want to think too much about last year,” Wilson said earlier this offseason, via The Athletic. “But I definitely learned a lot, and it definitely helped to shape who I am this upcoming season.
“My goals for the season are to get better every single day.”
Roman Wilson could be the spark the Pittsburgh Steelers need in the passing game
While mental reps are valuable, his response on the practice field shows that he’s taken his second chance at a rookie season seriously, especially as opportunities abound in Pittsburgh’s new offense. One clip shared on X from Wednesday’s practice session shows him doubling back to correct a misstep on the sidelines, making sure to get both feet in bounds.
“But we’re expecting really good things for him in the second year,” head coach Mike Tomlin said at league meetings in March. “I think that’s a reasonable expectation. I think from time to time, guys get faced with an injury and it derails their start, but by no means do we feel like it’s going to define his career.”
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Pittsburgh isn’t so sold on those expectations that they haven’t looked for outside options to shore up the passing game. Still, Wilson’s opportunity is coming to make a splash, put that forgettable rookie season behind him, and become a reliable contributor in Pittsburgh’s offense.