Steelers Mock Draft: Free agency directly impacts Pittsburgh's 2024 draft strategy

Steelers mock draft round 3: Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan

With Diontae Johnson being traded earlier in the week, wide receiver has become a major need. George Pickens and Calvin Austin III cannot be your only starting options going forward. There are plenty of avenues left in free agency for the Steelers to at least fill either the slot or outside receiver roles on their starting offense.

Pittsburgh has shown a lot of interest in top receivers in the upcoming draft. We now know why since they dealt Johnson to the Carolina Panthers for Donte Jackson and a swap of picks.

With that being said, expect another free agent to be signed to either start on the outside or in the slot. That will still give this team another need to fill.

In this mock draft, Pittsburgh takes Roman Wilson out of Michigan. We know that Mike Tomlin watched closely as Wilson put on a show during the week of the Senior Bowl. Despite that effort, it seems like he will be a Day 2 pick. He was able to slip until the Steeler's third-round selection in this simulation. This would be a steal.

One thing about Wilson coming into the NFL is that he can either play outside or in the slot at the next level. He seems ready to be an outside receiver, but his size could always force him in the slot, which is no knock. He didn't have great production at Michigan, but that was a run-first offense. This would be a tremendous pick in round three and would give the fans a huge sigh of relief.

Others Considered: Khyree Jackson (CB), Jalen McMillan (WR), Xavier Worthy (WR)