Steelers Asking Roman Wilson To Be The Clear Cut #2 In 2024 Is 'Little Bit Unfair'

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2024 NFL Draft with numerous needs to address, and securing talent at the wide receiver position was crucial. Fortunately, they felt they hit the mark with their selections. In the third round, they added Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson with the 84th overall pick.

Despite the optimism surrounding Wilson's arrival, the Steelers' wide receiver corps still exhibits a noticeable gap. With no reliable veteran acquisitions at the position, the pressure on Wilson as a rookie is palpable. In a recent interview on the North Shore Drive Podcast, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Ray Fittipaldo discussed the Steelers' draft choices and potential trade rumors. Fittipaldo hinted that the Steelers might be burdening Wilson with too much responsibility too soon, potentially hindering his development.

"I think he's going to be a good player. I think in time, he can be a number two receiver in the NFL, but why do you want to put that responsibility on his shoulders as a rookie? To me, that would be a little bit unfair. I think that's why there's a lot of speculation right now about a move being made.”

Throughout the offseason, the Steelers have been engulfed in a whirlwind of wide receiver rumors, yet the tangible outcomes have been scarce. While they sought to fortify their roster with the acquisitions of Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins, doubts linger among pundits regarding the sufficiency of these moves. Concerns arise particularly around George Pickens, as analysts foresee opposing defenses zeroing in on him, given the perceived lack of talent in the receiving corps. Consequently, hopes soared for a trade engineered by Omar Khan to alleviate this pressure.

Should a trade fail to materialize, the burden of expectation inevitably falls on the rookie wide receiver. However, Wilson is no stranger to pressure, having thrived in numerous high-stakes college matchups as a linchpin in Michigan's championship journey. Despite the Wolverines' run-centric offensive scheme, Wilson exhibited his versatility by tallying an impressive 12 touchdowns. In Pittsburgh, he finds himself in a strikingly similar scenario under the guidance of new-offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith.

Wilson's impact transcends conventional receiving statistics; he excels in blocking and possesses sure-handedness, rarely letting a pass slip through his grasp. His route-running precision, coupled with an unwavering work ethic and positive demeanor, draws flattering comparisons to Steelers legend Hines Ward.

While some may question the expectations placed on a third-round rookie, there remains a steadfast belief in Wilson's potential to make an immediate impact. After all, Pickens himself demonstrated rookie productivity, instilling hope that Wilson can replicate such success in his debut season with the Steelers.

Wilson's early remarks have ignited a wave of excitement. The Steelers grappled with wide receivers who lacked the requisite attitude and effort, with Pickens notably among those with room for improvement. However, the departure of teammate Diontae Johnson via trade may have served as a wake-up call for Pickens. Towards the end of the season, especially under the stewardship of Mason Rudolph, Pickens displayed a marked improvement in his attitude and effort.

Steelers Hopeful That George Pickens Has Turned A Corner

Buoyed by Pickens' late-season resurgence, the Steelers harbor optimism that he can sustain this momentum into the upcoming 2024 season and assume a more prominent leadership role. With Wilson's infectious mentality, there's a hope that his presence might positively influence Pickens. The stage is set for Pickens to seize the opportunity and leave an indelible mark on the NFL landscape in 2024. The fate of the Steelers and Pickens himself hinges largely on how he conducts himself throughout the upcoming season.

There's a collective aspiration that Pickens and Wilson can forge a formidable partnership for years to come. Wilson embodies many of Johnson's qualities, albeit without the attitude concerns. Nevertheless, he'll face significant pressure from the outset as he embarks on his NFL journey.