The Pittsburgh Steelers are relying on some new additions to make a major impact throughout the 2025 NFL season, but the team will also be hoping for the best from some second-year players too. This largely includes Troy Fautanu and Roman Wilson, who were each picked within the first two days of the 2024 NFL Draft, but missed the majority of their rookie seasons. Fautanu is going to be relied upon at right tackle, while Wilson is going to need to step up in the passing game behind DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III.
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Steelers' Roman Wilson smiles while he walks on the field during an away game in 2024.
Wilson is competing to be the third wide receiver for Pittsburgh heading into the 2025 season. It seems like Austin has locked up the number two spot, while veterans like Robert Woods and Ben Skowronek are also in the picture. New quarterback Aaron Rodgers is going to have to trust his wide receivers, and he and Wilson are still trying to figure things out as the two have had some chemistry issues so far in training camp. Team insider Mike DeFabo went on 93.7 The Fan to discuss Wilson, and his comments weren't very inspiring.
"You look at Roman Wilson, and the two most noticeable reps that he's had have been missed connections with Aaron Rodgers," DeFabo said. "You were really looking for Roman to step up this year and to take that big step forward in Year 2, develop early chemistry with Aaron Rodgers. So far I've seen none of that. When he was coming out, he had legitimate track-caliber speed. But one of the things is, every route is not a race. Learning how to be an NFL route runner I think is part of this. I think that's why you're seeing the missed connections with Aaron Rodgers is because there's a specific way that Rodgers wants you to run the route."
Rodgers has been known to be extremely specific with how his wide receivers run their routes. He needs his weapons to know what they are doing so that the veteran can trust them. Wilson has not been able to get to that point yet, as the two have been seen missing on some plays in Latrobe.
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Steelers' Roman Wilson looks on during a game in the 2024 season.
Pittsburgh fans would love to hear nothing but promising reports when it comes to the young wide receiver, but the reality of the situation is that he missed nearly his entire rookie year. He still has not caught a pass in the NFL, and he played in just one game in 2024. It is going to take some time for him to refine his route running, while also building up a steady relationship with a new quarterback.
If the struggles continue for Wilson, the Steelers may be forced to start considering some external options. This means finding a receiver to trade for, or waiting until the end of August when roster cuts are made and the organization would be able to sign someone from around the league.
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Thursday June 12, 2025.
Steelers' Roman Wilson's Roster Spot Is Safe
Even if Pittsburgh considers bringing in a new wide receiver, Wilson isn't going anywhere. He was a third-round pick in 2024, and he showed a ton of skill and promise during his collegiate career. He needs to refine some of his skills in order to succeed in the NFL, and that should come, it will just take some time.
Fans wanted to see Wilson compete with Austin for the second spot at wide receiver, however that was never realistic. Wilson is going to have trouble hanging on to the third spot, as the organization released its first unofficial depth chart on Tuesday, and only two wide receivers were in the starting lineup. It is an unofficial depth chart at the beginning of August, so it doesn't mean much, but it is an interesting tidbit to make note of.
What do you think about the reports regarding Wilson? Let us know in the comments below!
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