Roman Wilson speaks on what he wanted to prove by declaring for 2024 NFL Draft
The Michigan Wolverines have major shoes to fill next season at wide receiver with Roman Wilson declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. He had one season of eligibility remaining, but elected to gamble on himself and start preparing for life in the pros.
Wilson will head to Mobile, Alabama next week for the Reese’s Senior Bowl against some of the best upperclassmen prospects in the 2024 draft class. Speaking to The Draft Network ahead of the event, the former Michigan product discussed what he wants to prove at the event.
“I’m just looking to prove that I’m the ultimate competitor, somebody that can serve as a playmaker and difference-maker for an NFL team moving forward,” Wilson said. “I can get open and defeat one-on-one coverage. I want to prove that I can make plays on the ball. That’s the big thing for me. When the ball gets thrown my way, I’m going to make something special happen.”
Wilson had 48 catches for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns this season, all career-high marks for him. He morphed into the team’s top target and most reliable wide receiver, and he thinks that was the biggest factor in his Michigan breakout.
“I was a more well-rounded player this season. The game came more naturally to me. That’s the way progress has to be achieved. Playing football comes naturally to me,” Wilson said. “Learning about football, learning about defenses and routes, learning about where to be in open space, learning how to control my speed, when to use it and when not to use it, I really feel like all of that helped me achieve my goals throughout the season.
“I learned more about defensive back play and how they wanted to defend me. I really got into the intricacies of football that a regular person probably doesn’t think about. I paid close attention to techniques and the finer details. I learned how to use those things to my advantage, how I can use them to beat the man lined up across from me.
Top 10
- 1New
Saban chirped
Big 12 comes after GOAT
- 2
DJ Lagway
Fan flashes Florida QB to Pope
- 3Hot
Strength of Schedule
CFP Top 25 SOS ranking
- 4
Alabama needs a prayer
Tide can make the CFP but needs help
- 5
3 ACC teams in CFP?
Path for ACC outlined
“I realize that now as an older college football player. Hey, you have this toolbag at your disposal. Use it. Don’t stick to one thing. Don’t do the same thing over and over again and expect different results. I had to explore my toolbag. I had to learn how to perfect my craft. I’m still learning. That’s what brought change for me in 2023.”
Many outlets, including The Draft Network, have the former Michigan wideout as a potential day two (second/third round) selection. That could make him a key part of the passing attack of whoever selects him. Wilson has a few NFL guys that he has modeled his game after.
“A lot of people like to think of me as a deep threat, a burner if you will,” Wilson said. “I feel like I have flashes of DeSean Jackson a little bit. I’ve been focusing more on guys like Hunter Renfrow and Puka Nacua lately. Especially Nacua, a guy who came into the league and hit the ground running.
“I watched a lot of Tyler Lockett tape with the Michigan coaching staff this season. I’d have to put a point on Tyler Lockett. I’m like a Tyler Lockett who can also take the top off the defense.”
The Senior Bowl is set for Feb. 3 at noon ET and will be broadcast live on NFL Network.
