The Steelers’ wide receiver room looks drastically different heading into the 2025 season. George Pickens, the team’s top pass catcher over the last two years, is now in Dallas. His departure leaves DK Metcalf as the undisputed WR1 — but behind him, depth and proven production are question marks.
While names like Calvin Austin III and Robert Woods are familiar, one Steelers insider believes a lesser-known option, Roman Wilson, could emerge as a key contributor.
Try out Pro Football & Sports Network’s FREE playoff predictor, where you can simulate every 2025-26 NFL season game and see how it all shakes out!
‘Look Out for Roman Wilson’ — Steelers Insider Mark Kaboly Doubles Down on Sleeper Pick
Mark Kaboly, a trusted voice covering the team for “The Pat McAfee Show,” didn’t hedge his opinion. On May 27, he posted on X: “I’ve said this for a while now, but look out for Roman Wilson this year for the Steelers.” And while that may have flown under the radar nationally, it signals something important in Pittsburgh — the Steelers aren’t just hoping Wilson takes the next step. They’re expecting it.
I’ve said this for a while now, but look out for Roman Wilson this year for the Steelers
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) May 27, 2025
Kaboly has long been bullish on Wilson, dating back to his early showings in practice. “Roman Wilson, every time I see him in practice, he looks fabulous,” Kaboly said last fall. “He looks like he’s one of the top three receivers out there every time I see him. Physically, he looks good to me.”
The problem is we never got to see that version of Wilson on Sundays. His rookie campaign was derailed by injuries, starting with an ankle injury on the first day of padded practice in training camp. By the time he returned in Week 6, he was limited to five offensive snaps against the Las Vegas Raiders before a hamstring injury ended his season for good.
Now healthy and entering what’s essentially a second rookie year, Wilson has a clear opportunity to crack the rotation — if he can stay on the field. The Steelers’ wide receiver depth behind Metcalf includes Austin, veterans Woods and Ben Skowronek, and journeymen Scotty Miller and Brandon Johnson. Wilson, Pittsburgh’s 2024 third-round pick out of Michigan, may have more upside than any of them.
Despite missing the season, Wilson stayed engaged and focused on growth. “It was good getting back out there and getting my feet back and building every single day,” he said after returning to practice late last year. “Just keep building, keep getting better. Trusting the coaches. Trusting my teammates. Believe in myself and it’ll be good.”
This year, Wilson’s resolve is even stronger. “I think with everything I’ve said, there’s some urgency to it,” he said following OTAs. “You gotta get going. I’m ready for it.”
Wilson’s college résumé includes 1,707 yards and 20 touchdowns over 46 games, and the Steelers drafted him with a clear vision in mind: A formidable, reliable slot presence with run-after-catch ability and big-game experience. With Pickens out of the picture, there’s a need for a playmaker who can complement Metcalf’s physical style and stretch the field horizontally.
If he delivers in OTAs and training camp, Wilson could be that guy.
As Kaboly suggested, Wilson may not just be a sleeper anymore — he could be the key to making Pittsburgh’s post-Pickens offense work.