Michigan WR Roman Wilson selected by Pittsburgh Steelers in third round of 2024 NFL Draft

Michigan Wolverines football wide receiver Roman Wilson has been selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers No. 84 overall in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Wilson is the sixth U-M player to be drafted this year, joining quarterback J.J. McCarthy (No. 10 to the Minnesota Vikings), defensive tackle Kris Jenkins (No. 49 to the Cincinnati Bengals), defensive back Mike Sainristil (No. 50 to the Washington Commanders), linebacker Junior Colson (No. 69 to the Los Angeles Chargers) and running back Blake Corum (No. 83 to the Los Angeles Rams).

Wilson is the sixth Michigan wide receiver to be selected under head coach Jim Harbaugh, joining Amara Darboh (third round in 2017), Jehu Chesson (fourth round in 2017), Donovan Peoples-Jones (sixth round in 2020), Nico Collins (third round in 2021) and Ronnie Bell (seventh round in 2023).

He’s the 14th wide receiver to go off the board in this year’s draft.

“He was the go-to guy for J.J. McCarthy,” ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said on the broadcast. “It was Roman Wilson and Colston Loveland, the young tight end. When he needed to come through, time and time again he did. The speed he has, excellent hands, does not shy away from contact, despite his size.”

“He’s absolutely dangerous in the slot,” analyst Louis Riddick chimed in. “Great sideline awareness and instincts, tough as heck. He’s the prototype inside slot player with that speed and that short-area quickness. Just one drop this year, by the way. Just one.”

“Remember when [Toledo cornerback] Quinyon Mitchell got drafted and I said Mike Tomlin said [at Reese’s Senior Bowl practice], ‘Challenge yourself and go up against Roman Wilson’? Not only did he step up, so did Roman Wilson in this battles,” NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said on the broadcast. “Ultra, ultra competitive, strong hands and big time speed down the field. Used him on a lot of those over routes and crossing routes down the field. He showed at the Senior Bowl he’s got more to him. He’s got route polish, and ran every single route on the route tree. The Pittsburgh Steelers are celebrating this one. They got a playmaker here in a room that needed an addition.”

Wilson showed off his speed at the NFL Combine, running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, which tied sixth among 30 wide receivers. His 1.52-second 10-yard split tied fourth among the same group. He also put up 12 reps on the bench press.

“I’m just a dawg, willing to do whatever it takes to win,” the Michigan wideout said at the event. “Creative in his routes, explosive, playmaker. Consistent, reliable.”

Helping the Wolverines finish 15-0 and win the national championship in 2023, Wilson led Michigan in receptions (48), receiving yards (789) and touchdown catches (12). He led the Maize and Blue with 2.68 yards per route run, according to Pro Football Focus (minimum 100 passing snaps). That mark ranked second in the Big Ten, behind only Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. (3.44).

The 5-foot-11, 185-pounder started out the 2023 campaign red hot with 6 touchdowns in the first three games. He had 8 through five contests and 10 through eight outings.

Wilson showed up in big moments for Michigan. He had a touchdown reception on 3rd and 10 in a 30-24 win over Ohio State and the game-tying score to help force overtime in a 27-20 Rose Bowl victory over Alabama.

The Michigan wide receiver posted 25 catches for 476 yards and 4 touchdowns as a junior in 2022, helping Michigan win the Big Ten title and reach the College Football Playoff. In the semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl against TCU, he totaled 122 scrimmage yards and 2 touchdowns.

Wilson played part of his sophomore season in 2021 with a cast on his hand, battling through an injury. He had 2 red-zone touchdown catches in a 21-17 win over Penn State and registered another score in a 42-3 Big Ten championship game triumph over Iowa. All told, he had 25 grabs for 420 yards and 3 scores.

Wilson is a native of Maui, Hawaii. He spent a portion of his high school career taking a plane to school so he could attend the renowned Saint Louis High in Honolulu.

Wilson was a four-star recruit and the No. 269 overall prospect in the 2020 class, according to the On3 Industry ranking.