Roman Wilson Works for Year 3 Role as Steelers Need More
Roman Wilson is back on the field in Year 3, and the Steelers need more than a depth piece from him. The 24-year-old wide receiver stayed late after practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex catching balls from JUGS machines, a small sign of the larger push in front of him.
Mike McCarthy said Wilson was one of the first players to reach out and ask what was expected of him, and that he has been around from Day 1. Pittsburgh needs three or more starting-caliber wide receivers in an offense that will use a lot of 11 personnel, so Wilson’s offseason work is tied directly to whether that group has enough reliable targets.
UPMC Rooney Sports Complex work
Wilson’s extra reps came after practice, where he worked on catches from JUGS machines. McCarthy said, “He’s doing the work.” He also said, “He’s had a great offseason, so I just need him to keep showing up and keep working his tail off, because he’s got a skill set.”
That is the opening Pittsburgh has been waiting for. Wilson said, “It’s been very exciting,” and added, “Mike McCarthy is a great coach.” He also said, “I love everything he’s done here so far,” “I love his offense,” “I love him,” and “I love the guys he’s brought in.”
Wilson and McCarthy
McCarthy’s description of Wilson was specific. “He was one of the first men to reach out and just clearly ask what the expectation was of him, how I viewed him, how I saw him fitting in, as far as X, F and Z,” he said after practice. McCarthy also told him, “Just keep doing exactly what he’s doing” and added, “There’s a lot there to work with.”
That kind of work matters because Wilson has not had a clean run since entering the league. As a rookie, a hip-drop tackle in training camp led to a high-ankle sprain, and another injury followed after he began to get healthy, turning that first season into essentially a redshirt year.
Steelers wideout depth
Last season brought better numbers but not a full breakout. Wilson caught 21 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns, then slid down the depth chart after several missed connections with Aaron Rodgers. Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Adam Thielen passed him after midseason free-agent additions, and in four of the final five games he was unavailable in the portion of the season provided.
That leaves Year 3 as a real test. DK Metcalf is in the mix, Germie Bernard arrived in the draft, and the Steelers still need three or more starting-caliber wide receivers for an offense built around multiple receivers on the field. Wilson’s offseason has put him back in the conversation, but the job now is turning those extra reps into snaps.
