Roman Wilson Fantasy Impact
Wide receiver Roman Wilson, out of the University of Michigan, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. When looking at the Steelers’ offseason, there is an opportunity for Wilson to have a significant role in the passing offense behind leading wide receiver George Pickens. However, it could also be an uphill battle for Wilson too. The Steelers made several moves this offseason to bolster the wide receiver corp or at least attempted to add depth to the position. The Steelers added former Philadelphia Eagles receiver Quez Watkins and former Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson. While those aren’t the biggest obstacles that can stand in Wilson’s way to a starting role, they are options that have NFL experience. But that’s why we have the offseason and training camp to watch, wait, and see how the starting lineup shapes out.
Fantasy Value
Wilson’s fantasy value is up in the air for me to begin the offseason program. Wilson looks to be the Steelers’ new slot wide receiver right now. Ourlads.com has the starting lineup with George Pickens, Van Jefferson, and Roman Wilson as the starting wide receivers. Van Jefferson was able to play on the outside with the Rams while Cooper Kupp was out with injuries last season, and with his experience and speed, he’ll likely be able to command that number two spot. Wilson will have to make do with being the slot man for either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields (we know it’s likely Russell Wilson’s job) when the start of the season rolls around. I’m not as confident in what the Steelers will do with Arthur Smith now calling the plays after being bounced out of Atlanta last season. During his OC days with the Titans from 2019-2020, the slot receiver didn’t crack 50 targets in a season. Wilson may have to be exceptional to garner attention from Smith in terms of play-calling.
Dynasty Value
Roman Wilson is probably a third-round draft pick in rookie drafts. The Steelers’ offense may be run-focused under Arthur Smith which could limit the amount of passing work coming down the latter. Let’s not forget that the Steelers still have tight end Pat Frieremuth, and he’s a viable pass catcher. During his last two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Arthur Smith had the Falcons ranked in the bottom half of the league. It seems like Smith’s offensive philosophy might fit more with what the Steelers naturally like to do in running the ball. That’s something that could also impact Roman Wilson’s dynasty draft stock. With the slot receiver position generally being ignored in an Arthur Smith-led offense, Wilson isn’t registering on the scale as a higher draft pick than a late-second-round to third-round pick for me.
Conclusion
Wilson is a solid receiver, and he does what’s asked of him. He’s flashed in moments with JJ McCarthy and the Michigan Wolverines but in the NFL, his role could be on the smaller side in an offense that likes to run the ball more than it likes to pass. With other more experienced pass catchers ahead of him in the pecking order and likely heading into the slot, Wilson may be a better football player than a fantasy asset for redraft and dynasty managers unless you’re in a deep draft. Personally, I’m not targeting Wilson in my rookie dynasty drafts or in startups. There are just a few more options to take ahead of him that may have higher payoffs.
