Michigan WR Roman Wilson declares for 2024 NFL Draft
Michigan Wolverines senior wide receiver Roman Wilson is cashing in and taking his talents to the 2024 NFL Draft. He had the option to return for a fifth season in Ann Arbor due to COVID-19 eligibility rules, but ultimately decided to move on to the professional ranks.
Wilson had previously committed to the Senior Bowl event in Mobile, Alabama and was listed as the No. 83 prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft class, according to Pro Football Focus.
This season, Wilson led Michigan in receiving with 48 catches for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns. During his career in Ann Arbor, he appeared in 46 games with 24 starts and hauled in 107 catches for 1,707 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Before the season, Wilson switched from No. 14 to No. 1 in hopes to live up to the storied history of the number at Michigan. Wilson was an All-Big Ten selection on the second team, voted on by the coaches and players. He was also named a midseason All-American by both the Senior Bowl and PFF.
Wilson had 25 catches in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons with 420 yards and three touchdowns in 2021 and 376 yards and four scores last season. During his freshman year in 2020, he hauled in nine catches for 122 yards and one touchdown.
Wilson was a four-star prospect and the No. 268 player in the country, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He was tabbed the No. 47 wide receiver and third-ranked player out of Hawaii as a Maui native.
The Draft Network’s Damian Parson projected Wilson as a day-two selection in the 2024 NFL Draft class.
“Roman Wilson brings open-field speed to an offense,” Parson said. “He is alignment-flexible, taking snaps in the slot and outside at the Z-position. Wilson does his best work aligned in the slot or tighter to the formation. He does a good job alternating his route tempos to navigate the middle of the field. He will run his defender through traffic to free himself by using timing and route depth. He’s a high-IQ player.
“His speed is used to set up his routes. Shallow crossers, deep overs, and in/out breakers are a consistent part of his route tree. Wilson has reliable and secure hands. He plucks the ball away from his frame better than most smaller-framed wide receivers. I appreciate his processing and spatial awareness when facing zone coverages.”
Michigan will have to break in some fresh faces at wide receiver in 2024 with Wilson gone and Cornelius Johnson out of eligibility. Darrius Clemons also transferred out, meaning expanded roles will likely be on the way for Tyler Morris and Semaj Morgan, among others. It is possible that the Wolverines hit the transfer portal for more help at wide receiver, too.
