Roman Wilson

Roman Wilson's standout senior year at Michigan culminated in a 37% dominator rating, as he gathered 48 receptions for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns, marking it as the 6th-highest single-season dominator rating in the 2024 class. Despite concerns about his late breakout at 22 and only one significant year of production, Wilson's draft stock rose after impressing at the Senior Bowl and running a sub-4.40 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. He has drawn comparisons to Tyler Lockett, reflecting his ability as a deep threat-53% of his routes were downfield. However, his fantasy outlook is tempered by joining a Pittsburgh Steelers offense, which is expected to lean heavily on the run under new OC Arthur Smith, coupled with their recent investments in the offensive line, casting some doubt on the volume of passing opportunities Wilson will receive.

Wilson can rip zone coverage with hot, nasty speed and fluid hips. He can slice through off coverage as a steady target (2.0% drop rate in 2023). Wilson has a quick first step and speed, which allows him to gain separation on shallow crossers and stop routes. He can stretch a defense vertically, but he's not a YAC threat or a wondrous tackle breaker. Wilson had only nine missed tackles forced and 5.4 yards after the catch per reception in college. He can make plays with the ball in his hands, but it's reliant upon his speed. Wilson needs to continue to hone his releases. Wilson can beat zone coverage, but the instances that he has faced press coverage have given him fits. He hasn't exhibited the necessary release package or upper body strength to beat press coverage. Once a corner gets their hands on him, it is game over. Wilson struggles to play through contact during his routes. He should continue to operate as a slot receiver in the NFL. Dynasty Outlook: Wilson should push to start in two wide receiver sets immediately in Pittsburgh. The Steelers drafted him in the third round, and their talented rookie should be in the lineup in Week 1 over Van Jefferson or Calvin Austin unless Mike Tomlin goes the route of veteran deference. Wilson is a strong late second-round/early third-round rookie draft pick in all formats. The biggest hindrance to his short and long-term upside could be Arthur Smith. Since 2021, Smith has directed offenses that had the third-highest neutral rushing rate, and I don't see that changing in Pittsburgh. As long as Smith is calling the shots, the passing volume will be limited, so Wilson will have to be hyper-efficient with his targets.