The Pittsburgh Steelers needed a wide receiver, and they found one in Michigan’s Roman Wilson. Though some experts say he is, positionally, he’s not an adequate replacement for Diontae Johnson, given Wilson wasn’t a slot guy at Michigan. He’s restricted size-wise to play on the outside, but that wasn’t a problem for a guy named Antonio Brown. A key component Wilson brings is a willingness and capability to block, which Johnson didn’t want any part of.
Here’s a collection of grades for Wilson from various media outlets.
USA Today: A-
From Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz:
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.
The Athletic: A
From Scott Dochterman:
One of the most reliable senior receivers in the class, Wilson’s sudden explosion and speed at the line of scrimmage are difference-makers. 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.
Sports Illustrated: A-
From Matt Verderame:
One of the most reliable senior receivers in the class, Wilson’s sudden explosion and speed at the line of scrimmage are difference-makers. 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.
Yahoo! Sports: C
From Charles McDonald:
The Steelers needed some wide receiver depth and they got it, but they might have been better served finding a bigger-play wide receiver. Still, Wilson will learn quickly with the big target vacuum he’s walking into.
CBS Sports: B-
From Chris Trapasso:
Slot wideout who doesn’t quite play to his timed speed but has nice burst/lean early in route. 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.
Pro Football Focus: Elite
From PFF:
Wilson was projected to be an early second-rounder. He is an effortless separator with great hands, as evidenced by his one drop on 67 targets and 90th-percentile separation percentage. He easily slots in as a replacement for Diontae Johnson to create explosive plays downfield.
Sporting News: A+
From Vinnie Iyer:
The Steelers had to draft an impact receiver opposite George Pickens after trading Diontae Johson. Pickens and Wilson could become what DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett were for 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.
Bleacher Report: A+
From Brent Sobleski:
A fully realized version of Roman Wilson never materialized at Michigan. The reigning national champions were a line-of-scrimmage squad wanting to dominate at the point of attack and usually did so. In fact, no target eclipsed 900 receiving yards during any season throughout Jim Harbaugh’s nine-year tenure, including Nico Collins, who finished top-10 in the NFL this past season with almost 1,300 yards.
That last point is important. Just because Michigan’s system wasn’t geared toward the passing game doesn’t mean the program lacks excellent wide receiver prospects. Wilson certainly is.
The senior prospect from Hawaii needed all four seasons to become the Wolverines’ top receiving threat, when he led the team with 48 receptions, 789 yards and 12 touchdowns. His quickness and ability to create after the catch were evident. But the real shake-and-bake to his game showed up at the Senior Bowl, when no one could cover Wilson–not even Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell.
Wilson is a slippery target with excellent short-area quickness, which should help him become a favorite weapon in an NFL offense.
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.
SB Nation: A
From Joseph Acosta:
Love this pick for the Steelers. 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.
The 33rd Team: B+
From Ian Valentino:
He’s more limited to the slot than what’s ideal, but Roman Wilson is quick and fast. He gives this offense the chance to create explosive plays when the QB rolls out of the pocket. This is a fantastic value.
Steelers Wire: B+
From Curt Popejoy:
What does Wilson bring to the party for the Steelers? Critics of Wilson will question whether or not he can line up consistently on the outside at only 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds but physically he’s practically a clone of former Steeler Antonio Brown.
Wilson’s game is all about his speed, explosion, competitive nature and sure hands. Wilson is very difficult to press and if you miss, he is gone. He is one of those receivers who has a second gear when he needs it and we hope to see more of it in the NFL.
Wilson should get worked into the offense quickly and has all the makings of the next great Steelers receiver to come from the middle rounds.
