Steelers rookie WR discusses first NFL action, potential for expanded role

The Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) have needed a No. 2 wide receiver ever since trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in March, but could their answer already be on the team?

Rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson made his NFL debut against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6. He was very limited, as he played just five snaps and received zero targets, but he admits it was good to get his first game out of the way.

"It was cool in my first game active," Wilson said . "Got to play a little bit, get my feet wet. It was pretty cool."

Pittsburgh selected Wilson in the third round (No. 84) of the 2024 NFL Draft following his four years at Michigan, during which he had 107 catches for 1,707 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Adjusting to the NFL always takes some time for rookies, but Wilson felt comfortable in his first action.

"It just felt like ball out there," Wilson stated . "Guys are good. Guys are moving a little faster, but at the end of the day, it's still football. So it was good."

If Wilson continues to adjust well at the next level, the Steelers will have to seriously consider expanding his role on offense.

Through the first six weeks of the season, wide receivers not named George Pickens have combined for just 21 catches for 269 yards and one touchdown.

Wilson won't be given the No. 2 wide receiver job overnight, but it's worth seeing what he can do with more snaps. That's exactly what he hopes will happen in Week 7.

"I hope so," Wilson continued . "You don't always expect to play. I always get my mind ready for that, and it's just try to get better every day."

Head coach Mike Tomlin has said countless times that it is difficult for players to "hop on a moving train." Wilson has learned that firsthand as he began the season recovering from an ankle injury. That's why he's just trying to improve any part of his game to get more involved.

"Just everything," Wilson said . "Route running, blocking, knowing all the positions, knowing the play. Just a little bit of everything."

Only time will tell how much more playing time Wilson will receive this week, but he is confident he has been progressing in the right direction.

"I think it's going really good," Wilson concluded . "Every week, I look back at it and I can confidently say that I'm getting better."

If Pittsburgh gives Wilson a chance to prove himself, he may just solve, or at least help, the offense's clear void at wide receiver.

All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.