The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the most promising rookie classes going into the 2024 season. A lot of the rookies will be relied upon to contribute early on, as offensive linemen Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier are both expected to become starters. Roman Wilson will be a factor in the passing game, but as of now, he has been sidelined for the majority of training camp due to an ankle injury. He missed Pittsburgh's first preseason game, and will the second as well.
Steelers.com
Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson lines up and prepares to run a drill as the team practices during 2024 Organized Team Activities at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
Wilson was just starting to impress and make his presence felt while competing to be the Steelers’ second receiver. Van Jefferson seems to have that position on lock, assuming no new additions are made to the wide receiver group. Wilson will be given a chance to prove himself during the regular season, but he has missed valuable time in camp. NFL insider, Adam Caplan, gave some clarity about when Wilson may return to practice while talking with SportsGrid.
"I'm told with Roman Wilson, coming back from his ankle injury, there's optimism he'll start practicing within the next seven to ten days coming off of that ankle injury."
Wilson will probably gradually work his way back in once he is cleared to practice again. Pittsburgh's last preseason game is on August 24th; there is a chance he could be back for it, but it will probably be wise for the rookie not to play until the regular season rolls around. Getting game experience is important, but if Wilson rushes back and gets hurt again, it could make things a lot worse.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers receiver Roman Wilson makes a catch during training camp.
Wilson doesn't need to feel any pressure to come back and get on the field. Pittsburgh selected him in the third round, and his roster spot is secure. If Pittsburgh pulls off a trade for Brandon Aiyuk, it might make getting back into the fold in the receiver room a little more difficult for Wilson.
The rookie fits right in with the Steelers. He has a team-first mindset, likes to block, and focuses on the fundamentals. He has been compared to Hines Ward, which is something that Steelers fans love to hear. Wilson is considered NFL-ready, and high expectations have already been placed on the rookie. He has been projected by some to be 2024's Puka Nacua, which would be nearly impossible as the third or fourth receiving option in a run-heavy offense.
The Steelers are excited for Wilson. Calvin Austin III and Jefferson have been having good training camps, add in the prospect of trading for Aiyuk, and there is little to no pressure on the rookie. He can take his time to develop into the player the Steelers need him to be. Once he reaches full health, he should be able to show why the Steelers were so set on selecting him in the draft.
Steelers.com
Steelers' Zach Frazier gets ready to snap the ball.
Steelers Wanted To Draft Roman Wilson In The Second Round
Wilson didn't get selected until the Steelers scooped him up with their third round selection. He was the 84th overall pick, but he was projected to go a bit higher, some even thought he was a second rounder. Pittsburgh grabbed Frazier in the second round with the 51st overall pick, but had he not been available, they would have gotten Wilson earlier than they did.
The Steelers had planned to take Wilson with their second round pick, but thankfully Frazier fell to them. Wilson then stayed on the board until their next selection. The organization likely saw Frazier as a bigger priority than Wilson, as there weren't many impressive centers in the 2024 NFL Draft. On the other hand, the wide receiver class was very deep. It all wound up working out for General Manager Omar Khan, as he got both of his guys and had one of the best drafts in the league.
What do you expect from Wilson in his rookie year? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
