Steelers' Young Receiver Draws Comparison To One Of Aaron Rodgers' Greatest Weapons

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of expectations from their receiver corps in 2025, even though it's full of unknowns outside of DK Metcalf. Fourth-year speedster Calvin Austin III will be the other full-time starter, at least to begin the season. Behind him, Roman Wilson will get his first meaningful action of his career after playing just five snaps throughout the entire 2024 season. Despite the lack of overall experience, one or both of them will need to prove themselves as a capable option if the offense wants to reach that next level. 

Part of Wilson's development came from getting on new quarterback Aaron Rodgers' bad side during training camp. After a slow start, Wilson got called out for his issues, and that all seemed to be exactly what he needed to get his act together and become the player that Pittsburgh expected him to be when he was drafted in the first place.

Steelers insider Mike DeFabo spoke about that kind of "tough love," and he compared it to one of Rodgers' former receivers that he grew to love.

"Early in his career, Davante Adams was the target of what you might call Rodgers' tough love," DeFabo explained. "He came out on the other end as a Pro Bowl receiver. Wilson has a lot of attributes that could help him become a difference-making receiver one day, especially his speed and reliable hands. Having a quarterback like Rodgers in his ear, pushing him and explaining in detail what he expects, can only help a young player."

Davante Adams had a rough start to his career, as he failed to reach 500 yards receiving in each of his first two years, despite starting almost every game he was healthy for. However, he and Rodgers made some adjustments together during their time with the Green Bay Packers, which included some of that tough love that can rub certain receivers the wrong way. 

From 2018 to 2022, Adams was one of the most consistent receivers in the NFL, and some fans even considered him as the best in the league. Besides one year where he missed four games due to injury, he racked up over 1,300 yards in every season during that five-year span. In two of those campaigns, he led the league in receiving touchdowns, including a career-high of 18 scores in 2020.

Even after Adams left for supposed greener pastures in 2022, Rodgers still had all kinds of respect for him. Their close relationship led to the quarterback urging the New York Jets to trade for him so they could reunite. The 32-year-old wideout may be starting his inevitable decline now, but having Rodgers around when he was a young gun is likely a reason why he just signed yet another contract for two years, $44 million total. 

Steelers Brought Rodgers In To Create Their Own Version Of Adams

The Steelers, who are known for developing receivers seemingly out of an assembly line, have not found the consistent magic that they once had before. The hope is that Rodgers can come in and essentially whip these young wideouts into shape and turn them into key pieces for future runs. Wilson was a major piece of that as well, as he still has a lot of untapped potential after having a proverbial redshirt season. 

Adams has developed into an expert route runner that knows everything about the small details, and that's how he eventually had over 1,500 receiving yards in a season. Wilson struggled with the details during his time in Pittsburgh early, and that's why they were so desperate to bring in the four-time MVP. If they need a harsh hard-a** to get the receivers on track and get this sluggish offense rolling, then that's what they will get, and they did.

What do you think about Wilson potentially being the new Adams? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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