Midway through training camp, the narrative around Steelers wideout Roman Wilson looked bleak. He wasn’t syncing with Aaron Rodgers at practice and hadn’t yet stood out the way many hoped. That outlook flipped in short order as Wilson began making plays in practice and carried that momentum into the preseason. Internally, he’s now viewed as one of the most promising young players on the roster.
There’s a sense among multiple team insiders that Wilson is being regarded as a breakout candidate for 2025. The Steelers have shown unusual confidence in him this offseason, especially given Calvin Austin III’s extended absence from practice. Rather than adding another receiver, the organization leaned into Wilson’s growth, a move that underscores the belief there’s something special developing with him.
Wilson was a third-round pick in a stacked wide receiver class, a fact that’s easy to forget given his limited rookie season. He stood out as a shining performer at the 2024 Senior Bowl, handling top competition and showing the traits that drew NFL evaluators’ attention. He also played a key role on Michigan’s national championship-winning squad, a pedigree that’s helping buoy expectations in Pittsburgh.
During OTAs, reports described Wilson as training with a new, bulked-up frame, and it took some time for that added strength to translate to the field. Once it clicked, he began turning heads. Rodgers has openly suggested Wilson has a chance to become a big-time talent, a vote of confidence that carries more weight than typical praise.
Austin is viewed as the Steelers’ No. 2 receiver, but Wilson’s recent trajectory suggests he could close the gap and potentially surpass that role in short order. The organization’s actions — or rather its measured restraint in adding veteran depth while betting on Wilson — appear to back that belief.
What this means going forward:
– If Wilson sustains his improvement and builds strong chemistry with Rodgers, Pittsburgh could feature a versatile and productive playmaker behind the top targets.
– The preseason will be telling for his route-running, consistency, and ability to win against top defenders.
– The Steelers’ willingness to ride with Wilson during Austin’s absence signals a clear plan to accelerate his development and give him realistic opportunities to contribute in 2025.
Summary: Roman Wilson’s arc in 2024 moved from under-the-radar depth option to a legitimate breakout candidate, backed by a combination of offseason development, strong performance in college and Senior Bowl moments, and a coaching staff and front office placing growing confidence in his potential. If he keeps climbing, he could become a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s receiver group next season.
What to watch next: performance in the early preseason games, how Rodgers targets Wilson, and whether Wilson can translate practice efficiency into game-day production. If the trend continues, expect sharper attention on his role in Pittsburgh’s plans for 2025.