NFL Draft grades: Pittsburgh Steelers praised for choosing Michigan WR Roman Wilson in third round
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has a deep respect for prospects out of Michigan Wolverines football. When seeing all of the talent at the program’s pro day in March, Tomlin said to Jim Harbaugh, “No wonder you guys won the national championship.”
One of the talented prospects on display in Ann Arbor: wide receiver Roman Wilson. And Tomlin put his money where his mouth is, with the Steelers nabbing Wilson No. 84 overall in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Wilson was a projected second-round pick according to some analysts, so him going as low as in the 80s and third round in general make him a potential “steal.” Here’s a look at how analysts graded the pick.
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Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: A+
“The Steelers had to draft an impact receiver opposite George Pickens after trading Diontae Johson [to the Carolina Panthers],” Iyer wrote. “Pickens and Wilson could become what [wideouts] DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett were for [quarterback] Russell Wilson in Seattle. Wilson stands out from his undersized frame with flat-out big-play flair with the potential to become more consistent as a short-area after-catch possession target.”
Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: A+
“Wilson is a slippery target with excellent short-area quickness, which should help him become a favorite weapon in an NFL offense,” Sobleski wrote.
“No organization drafts wide receivers better than the Pittsburgh Steelers, and they did it again this year. Wilson is a tremendous value in the third round. The B/R Scouting Department had an early second-round grade on him.
“The Steelers are smashing this year’s draft with three fantastic selections thus far.”
Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman, The Athletic: A
“One of the most reliable senior receivers in the class, Wilson’s sudden explosion and speed at the line of scrimmage are difference-makers,” the writers said. “His route running and catch consistency only got better with every week at Michigan, too. A big-time competitor who will block his butt off, Wilson makes for not only great value in the third round, but a perfect fit for what the Steelers want to do moving forward.”
Joseph Acosta, SB Nation: A
“Love this pick for the Steelers,” Acosta wrote. “Wilson is such a smart player who can create separation on in-breakers and has a good feel for zone coverage. He’s a reliable number 2 and will run the crap out of over routes.”
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA Today: A-
“Is this Pittsburgh’s latest Day 2 gem at wide receiver? Wilson taxes defenses with his speed, so he should be a weapon for Russell Wilson as a downfield target even if he doesn’t see a high volume of targets,” Middlehurst-Schwartz wrote.
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: B-
“Slot wideout who doesn’t quite play to his timed speed but has nice burst/lean early in route,” Trapasso wrote. “Super-reliable hands and has great feel for soft spot in zone. Not going to be much of a YAC type in NFL. Not noticeably quick. Should be decent separator. Adequate Diontae Johnson replacement.”
Yahoo Sports staff: C
“The Steelers needed some wide receiver depth and they got it, but they might have been better served finding a bigger play wide receiver,” the site wrote. “Still, Wilson will learn quickly with the big target vacuum he’s walking into.”
