Roman Wilson
Roman Wilson
Entering his third season, WR Roman Wilson is growing more and more comfortable in his own skin, and it shows. Based on reports, he has been one of the highlights of the Steelers’ training camp practices so far. While he hasn’t been without his mistakes, he is making plays and gaining trust.
Especially from those who matter the most, like Aaron Rodgers. Many believe that Rodgers was frustrated by playing with Wilson last year, precipitating his move to the bench. At least so far during training camp this year, though, he has been looking Wilson’s way, and with positive results.
A third-round pick in 2024, we always knew that Roman Wilson had the talent. Whether he had the confidence is another matter, but we know he didn’t have the opportunity. Under a new coaching staff and with a full season of activity behind him, however, he is not blind to the differences.
“I just feel a little older”, Roman Wilson said about what has changed for him since last season, via a post on X from 93.7 The Fan yesterday of a clip during his media availability. “I feel like I’m myself. I don’t feel like I’m trying to be someone else I’m not”.
#Steelers WR Roman Wilson explains what is different this year-just being himself pic.twitter.com/xAJQjJNURo
Wilson has been one of the most scrutinized players on the Steelers’ roster in recent years, by a wide margin. The team’s reputation for drafting and developing wide receivers certainly didn’t help, raising expectations beyond plausibility.
It also didn’t help that he went down with a high ankle sprain on the first day of padded practices as a rookie. That pretty much wiped out his entire season, suddenly so far behind on the field that the coaches never felt comfortable installing him into the lineup. Wilson later injured his hamstring shortly after his five-snap debut, an inauspicious start to his career.
While Roman Wilson did show growth last year, it didn’t sustain him throughout the season. During the middle of the regular season, it appeared he was growing and even gaining trust. A foolish mistake here, a miscommunication there, however, and suddenly he found himself watching some old-timers nobody wants taking his place in the lineup.
But is Wilson so different going into Year 3? Only he can really answer that. And, well, he did answer that, but it’s up to the observer whether or not to believe him. In his third year, it would hardly be surprising if he felt more comfortable and himself. After all, he basically missed his rookie season, so last year was his first lap around the track for many things.
But the Steelers didn’t sit idly by, crossing their fingers and counting on him to stop trying to be somebody he’s not. This offseason, they acquired veteran starter Michael Pittman Jr. via trade, then drafted Germie Bernard in the second round. While Pittman is, of course, a starter, Wilson is keeping the rookie at bay so far.