Where once the Pittsburgh Steelers were known for developing mid-round receivers quickly, it hasn’t been the case in recent seasons.
Need I circle back to Chase Claypool? Sure, George Pickens is on the verge of superstardom, but he’s also playing for a new franchise down in Dallas. Meanwhile, Calvin Austin III hasn’t quite taken a step that gives Steelers fans much confidence.
2024 second-round pick Roman Wilson is in dangerous territory of continuing the trend after missing practically his entire rookie season, much like Austin did three years ago. But should his injuries really lower expectations so much that Steelers fans should continue to hold such low expectations for the former Michigan standout?
Pittsburgh’s once-clear WR pipeline is now muddled with uncertainty
Bleacher Report recently listed Wilson among five second-year wideouts poised for a breakout season. They rightfully pointed to his championship lineage with the Wolverines and how he was a focal point in their offensive success in 2023. They also mentioned his budding similarities to an old favorite target of quarterback Aaron Rodgers: Randall Cobb.
Wilson, at 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, has the route-running ability and overall skillset to make a fine slot receiver in the NFL, just as Cobb did. However, it’s not clear if that will be a role he can consistently fill in Pittsburgh in 2025.
Based on the circumstances, Jonnu Smith figures to serve as a slot tight end option. While there is sure to be some variety in the personnel, in typical sets, it’s easier to picture Austin and D.K. Metcalf on the outside with Smith in the slot and Pat Freiermuth as the in-line tight end. On the surface, there doesn’t appear to be too much room for Wilson to break out if he’s simply rotating in with Austin and Smith in their respective spots.
Steelers fans may need patience before this young talent makes noise
I recently broke down what the target shares could look like in Pittsburgh with Smith serving that slot tight end role. There could be some leftover opportunities, but it's hard to expect him to get more than maybe 30 targets unless injuries occur -- unless he's really ready to break out.
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But predicting a true breakout season might be the true cause for hesitation in placing any sort of expectations on Wilson. After all, the limited expectations for Austin as a third-rounder in a similar situation made it easier to acknowledge what he did provide the Steelers’ offense in 2023. He did take a slight step forward in 2024, too, showing steady progression as a professional.
Wilson might not be due the same patience, being a third-rounder and a key figure for a national championship team compared to Austin as a Group of 5 raw speedster archetype. Still, Wilson’s opportunities in 2025 might be more limited than fans would like to see because of the personnel. Expecting him to step in and immediately become the No. 2 option or take over the slot for a storybook break-out season is asking for disappointment.
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