The Steelers roster is still taking shape in Latrobe, Pa., but two of the clearest camp risers have been Roman Wilson and Mason Rudolph. With the first preseason game set for Thursday night, both players have strengthened their cases in a depth chart that still has room for movement.
For Wilson, the bounce-back has been notable. After two underwhelming NFL seasons and a year in which he was a healthy scratch, he entered this training camp needing to show he could contribute. Through the summer, he has done that and more, establishing himself in the WR3 role and putting himself in position to matter in three-receiver sets.
Wilson's camp climb
The attention on Wilson is easy to understand. A player who was on the outside looking in a year ago has now become part of the conversation about how the Steelers want to line up on offense. Brian Angelico said Wilson and Aaron Rodgers seem to be on the same page, pointing to their communication and Wilson’s fit within the concepts.
Angelico also said Wilson has worked hard in preparation and film study, and that he is playing with a quieter mind and more relaxed approach. That matters for a young receiver trying to turn camp momentum into a real role. Mike McCarthy echoed the praise, saying he likes Wilson’s ball skills, instincts and awareness, and adding that he has had a great offseason and a better training camp.
Rodgers, too, has noticed the change. He said Wilson looks more dynamic, is making plays and is confident, adding that the personality is starting to come out. For a player trying to move from developmental piece to weekly contributor, that kind of recognition is a good sign.
Rudolph's push for QB2
Rudolph has also helped himself. McCarthy said Rudolph jumped out early in camp and made it clear that the Steelers have liked what they have seen from him. He also said it is hard to fully judge a quarterback until you are standing next to him and watching him throw on the field, but his overall impression has been positive.
Rudolph’s improvement is tied to footwork adjustments made during QB School, and that work appears to have translated into a stronger camp showing. As the team heads toward its first preseason game, he has strengthened his case for the QB2 job.
That leaves the Steelers roster in a familiar place for this time of year: the top of the depth chart is taking shape, but the back end is still being sorted out. Wilson looks like a player who can help in receiver packages, while Rudolph has put himself in position to back up the quarterback room. The next test comes under game conditions, where camp progress has to hold up once the preseason begins.
