What will Michigan WR Roman Wilson run in 40-yard dash? He makes a prediction
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Michigan Wolverines football wide receiver Roman Wilson has been called the Flyin’ Hawaiian due to his speed. He has numerous traits that make him a potential first-round NFL Draft pick this spring, but his speed and agility stand out above the rest.
Wilson was one of the top performers during Senior Bowl practices at the end of January. At the time, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said he “might go south of” 4.33 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
“He can fly. Fly!” Jeremiah exclaimed.
Speaking with reporters in Indianapolis ahead of testing and going through drills on Saturday, Wilson made a prediction on how he’ll run.
“Right now, I think I’m going to get a low 4.3, but I’m really trying to get a 4.2,” Wilson said. “Just being humble, I’d say low 4.3s.”
The Michigan wideout added that he’s “pretty consistently” posted a 1.45-second 10-yard split on the 40 while training for the combine.
The fastest time in NFL Combine history is 4.22 seconds, set by former Washington wide receiver John Ross. If Wilson ran 4.28 or better, he’d be at least tied for top nine in NFL Combine history. Last year, Michigan cornerback DJ Turner ran the 40 in 4.26 seconds, the fastest time in the 2023 combine.
Asked what his Madden rating should be next year, Wilson didn’t give an overall score but said he’d be in the 90s in speed and acceleration.
Roman Wilson reveals what he wants NFL teams to know about him
Wilson said his best traits as a receiver are “just being consistent, fast and a playmaker.” He showed that in four seasons with Michigan, registering 107 catches for 1,707 yards and 20 touchdowns. He led the Wolverines in 2023 with 48 grabs for 789 yards and 12 scores, helping the program win its 12th-ever national championship.
“Just a dawg, willing to do whatever it takes to win,” Wilson said of what he wants teams to know about him. “Creative in his routes, explosive, playmaker. Again, consistent, reliable. That’s how I like to describe myself.”
While some other wideouts put up bigger numbers than Wilson, the Michigan receiver noted that U-M used a run-first offense, and it worked. He said he embraced blocking and taking advantages of the opportunities he did have in the pass game.
“Some people look at my stats, and I don’t feel like my stats reflect who I am. You just put on my film, you’re going to find out who I am,” Wilson said.
Wilson said he didn’t receive feedback from NFL teams on what they want to see more of from him after the Senior Bowl, but they’re excited to see him participate in combine drills.
“They obviously want to see me run routes,” he said. “They want to see what my 40 is going to be. I didn’t really get too much feedback from teams, but I feel like I went out to the Senior Bowl and did my thing.”
The Michigan prospect noted that the Senior Bowl helped boost his draft stock.
“Going to the Senior Bowl, I was confident in my abilities and what I can do. Just going in there and being able to show teams and show other players that I can hang with them, too, and I’m consistent and reliable and I can create separation, it was definitely good for me,” he said.”
