Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn’t target wide receiver Roman Wilson very often in his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. But this summer, Rodgers has been very supportive of the young wideout.
The quarterback offered a significant endorsement of Wilson’s improvement to the media just as training camp started in late July. This week, Rodgers shared another very positive update on Wilson during a television appearance.
“Roman’s grown a lot. I think he’s done a nice job in the spring, and he’s had some play as well,” said Rodgers while on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, via Steelers Depot’s Ross McCorkle. “The difference last year, I felt like he was kinda like a deer running around, bouncing around. And now he’s like a very finely tuned fast guy.
“I feel like he’s playing almost more under control with that top-end speed. And he’s had a really nice spring and a nice start to camp.”
The Steelers selected Wilson at No. 84 overall in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. But through two seasons, he’s posted just 12 receptions for 166 yards in 14 games.
Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers Sounds Confident in WR Roman Wilson
GettyPittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was highly complimentary of wide receiver Roman Wilson on The Pat McAfee Show.
It’s rarely a bad thing for a young player to hear good things about his play in a public setting from a future Hall of Fame quarterback. Rodgers, though, may have also been indirectly sending Wilson a message during his television appearance.
It’s rather clear that Rodgers wants Wilson to use his best trait more effectively this fall — his speed.
“He has a different skill set,” Rodgers continued. “To stick in the league, you have to do something well. To have a long career, you gotta have an excellent trait, and his is speed.
“He is legitimately one of the fastest guys on the field at all times, if not the fastest guy. So when he’s using that speed, he’s dangerous.”
Wilson will try to utilize that speed while continuing to play more under control this season. By “under control,” Rodgers appears to mean more focused on the little details with route running and timing.
What Wilson Could Bring to Steelers in 2026
GettyPittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson is entering a crucial third season.
Wilson stepping up to be the receiver the Steelers thought they were getting in the third round two years ago would be a huge plus.
At Michigan, Wilson registered 48 receptions, 789 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns for the national championships during 2023. He averaged 16.4 yards per catch.
Posting similar statistics would give the Steelers offense an incredible new element, especially paired with the wideouts the team has added the past two offseasons.
Veterans DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. will start at receiver. Each weren’t on the team when the Steelers drafted Wilson. Neither was rookie Germie Bernard, who the Steelers grabbed in the second round this year.
Wilson and Bernard are competing for opportunities at training camp.
The team also has Ben Skowronek, Kaden Wetjen, Joaquin Davis, Max Hurleman, Jakobie Keeney-James, A.T. Perry, Brandon Smith, and Levi Wentz on the roster at receiver.
Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers Opens Up on WR Roman Wilson at Training Camp