A handful of players with the Pittsburgh Steelers are getting a fresh start under a new coaching staff this year. Few players needed that more than third-year wideout Roman Wilson.
Despite being the No. 84 overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, Wilson produced little with Mike Tomlin has head coach for two years. In 14 games, Wilson registered 12 catches for 166 yards.
But this year feels different to the receiver. He shared that with reporters from training camp Friday.
“I just feel a little older,” said Wilson, via 93.7 The Fan. “I feel like I’m myself. I don’t feel like I’m trying to be someone else I’m not.”
While Wilson suggested he feels the difference, pundits have visually seen the contrast in the young wideout’s play through training camp.
Roman Wilson Showing Growth at Steelers Training Camp
GettyPittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson delivered a clear message of confidence from training camp Friday.
Fortunately for the Steelers, there are a lot of players performing well in camp. Wilson, though, might be the most improved from last season.
On Monday, quarterback Aaron Rodgers talked about how much more “finely tuned” Wilson is compared to last season. According to the signal-caller, that has allowed the wideout to use his best trait — speed.
The fact Wilson has improved so much has enabled Rodgers to put more trust in the 25-year-old. Steelers offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio has seen the difference.
“I think Rome’s one a great job,” Angelichio told reporters Saturday, via Steelers.com’s Brian Batko. “I think it’s really cool him and Aaron seem like they’re on the same page in their communication and where he needs to be with the concepts.
“Rome’s really worked hard in his preparation and film study.”
The Steelers added another starting caliber veteran receiver this offseason. Two wideouts the team didn’t draft — DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. — should start for Pittsburgh this fall.
So the team isn’t counting on Wilson potentially being a WR2 as it was hoping last season. But there should be more opportunities for receivers in Mike McCarthy’s offense than Arthur Smith’s last season.
The Steelers are going to need a third wideout to contribute consistently to score more points this fall.
Wilson Ahead of Rookie Germie Bernard for WR3 Role?
GettyThe Pittsburgh Steelers selected Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
After another disappointing second season, some Steelers fans pushed Wilson pretty far down the depth chart this offseason. That’s because in addition to Pittman, the team also drafted Germie Bernard in the second round and Kaden Wetjen early on Day 3.
With veteran Ben Skowronek also returning, some pundits wondered if Wilson could be on the roster bubble this summer.
But behind being himself again and his hard work, Wilson appears to have an edge over those new additions for the WR3 role.
“Right now, it’s Roman Wilson by a mile, so we’ll see that happens,” said The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo during a radio appearance Friday. “I don’t think Bernard’s been disappointing. I think he’s learning.
“[Bernard’s] getting used to what it’s like to play for Aaron Rodgers, and I think Roman Wilson, to his credit, has kind of figured out what it takes to play with Rodgers,” added Fittipaldo. “So that’s why he’s more than a little bit ahead at this point.”
That’s not to say Bernard won’t be a significant part of Pittsburgh’s offense as a rookie. It just might take him some time before he’s ready to consistently play.
In the meantime, the Steelers need Wilson to be the team’s WR3.
Steelers’ Roman Wilson Opens Up On Year 3 at Training Camp