The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t wasted any time evaluating their newest talent as training camp heats up in Latrobe. With pads finally on and reps intensifying, one receiver is already turning heads. Wide receiver Roman Wilson is emerging as a name to watch not just because of his speed or hands, but because of how he’s showing up daily, both physically and mentally. The way Wilson has carried himself has drawn strong praise from those observing the camp up close.
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Steelers' Roman Wilson smiles while he walks on the field during an away game.
Recently, on 970 AM Fox Sports Pittsburgh, former Steelers secondary coach Tom Bradley and Gerry Dulac talked about the Steelers for an hour-long segment. Dulac started off with praise for the young wideout.
“When you watch him today, he certainly plays the part well," Dulac said. "He's a guy that I think the Pittsburgh Steelers fans are gonna take a liking to in a hurry, just by the way he goes about his work. You can see why they drafted him just by the way he does things out there.”
Dulac’s words offer more than just a surface-level compliment. The key here is how he emphasizes Wilson's work habits. This isn’t about raw talent, which Wilson certainly has, but rather how that talent translates into consistent, reliable effort. Wilson’s doing the small things right: route details, blocking effort, lining up properly. That’s what builds trust with coaches and earns respect from veterans.
If there’s a common thread across the league, it’s that wide receivers often need time to adjust to the pro game, especially in Pittsburgh, where Mike Tomlin historically takes a measured approach with young talent, but Wilson’s effort is accelerating that timeline. The mindset is now translating to Saint Vincent College. Fans should take note not just of highlight plays but of how Wilson moves during install periods and drills.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin looks in the distance as his players practice during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
That exact attitude also stood out to the former Steelers secondary coach, Bradley, who focused more on Wilson’s internal fire:
“He likes the competition,” Bradley said. “Just watching him, I think he enjoys that. You saw a little bit of that in him. I think over the course of time, I think he's gonna be one of those guys that likes to just compete.”
Bradley’s observation is especially relevant for a receiver trying to prove himself on the depth chart. The Steelers’ wide receiver room remains in flux behind DK Metcalf, and with Calvin Austin III and Robert Woods still proving their roles, there’s an opportunity to be seized.
That Wilson already “likes the competition” is critical. It means he’s not shying away from the challenge or waiting for an invitation. He’s embracing it. The phrase “over the course of time” also hints at sustainability. Wilson’s mentality is a long-term mindset that meshes well with the organization’s culture.
His injury-shortened rookie season is well-documented, but he’s back fully healthy now, aligning with the competitive mindset that camp observers say makes him stand out. His college metrics, particularly separation rate and blocking effort, paired with the Steelers’ scheme shift under Arthur Smith, suggest he could be a reliable slot option and return contributor.
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Pittsburgh Steelers' DK Metcalf during the team's 2025 minicamp.
Steelers' Camp Culture Built For Competitors
There’s a reason Tomlin often says “iron sharpens iron.” The Steelers have cultivated a camp environment that rewards effort, not just flashes. That makes it the perfect setting for someone like Wilson, who thrives off competition and embraces the grind. This year’s camp also feels different in how intentionally the coaching staff is evaluating role players.
With the offensive coordinator focused on a more balanced, physical offense, players like Wilson, who block hard, run clean routes, and don’t demand the ball, become invaluable pieces. With the first preseason game fast approaching, Wilson still has much to prove. But based on what Dulac and Bradley have already seen, he’s doing more than just surviving the early reps; he’s maximizing them.
Is Wilson already carving out a role, or is it too early to tell? Let us know in the comments below!
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