Pittsburgh Steelers Rookie Named Sleeper For Prestigious Honor

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Michigan Wolverines’ standout wide receiver Roman Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. It was a move to bolster the weapons for Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. While the move was made out of some necessity, there is no denying the massive potential that Wilson possesses for the future.

Wilson was not one of the more talked about wide receivers in the draft class. However, he does appear to be one of the top ceiling prospects at his position in the 2024 draft.

Keeping that in mind, FanDuel seems to see a very bright future and an immediate impact from the rookie wide receiver.

Pittsburgh Steelers’ Roman Wilson Named Sleeper For Prestigious Award

According to FanDuel, Wilson has received odds to end up winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. His odds are listed at +7500, which aren’t great odds, but they show some confidence in him being a sleeper to win the award.

In the past, the Steelers have had a lot of success when drafting talented wide receivers. They have a great track record of their rookie wideouts coming in and making an immediate impact.

Behind the Steel Curtain, a Steelers’ website, listed some of the recent picks that have gone on to have big rookie campaigns.

• 2017: JuJu Smith-Schuster (round two) – 58 rec., 917 yds, 7 TDs 
• 2019: Diontae Johnson (round three) – 59 rec., 680 yds, 5 TDs 
• 2020: Chase Claypool (round two) – 62 rec., 872 yds, 9 TDs
• 2022: George Pickens (round two) – 52 rec, 801 yds, 4 TDs

Wilson is coming off of a solid season with Michigan, who ended up winning the National Championship. He caught 48 passes for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns. Obviously, his impact was huge to help lead Jim Harbaugh’s squad to a championship.

Looking at the Pittsburgh Steelers’ current wide receiver corps, Wilson has a very good shot at earning a starting job to begin the season. Right now, George Pickens is the only clear-cut starter.

After Pickens, the Steelers are projected to have Van Jefferson as their No. 2 target. Wilson sits right behind Jefferson at No. 3 on the current depth chart. It’s very plausible that Wilson will leapfrog Jefferson and become Pittsburgh’s second-best receiving option.

If that does become the case, it’s very possible that he will put together a big-time rookie season. Will it be enough to beat out Caleb Williams and other top rookies for the Offensive Rookie of the Year honors? Probably not, but it’s still a major honor to be included in the odds as a third-round pick.

Expect to see Roman Wilson come on strong as a rookie. The Steelers are going to need him to play a pivotal role and he will be more than ready for that challenge.