The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team who loves to build their team from the ground up. In other words, they’ve always been a team who loves to build through the draft, instead of finding players on the open market via free agency. With the 2024 season now officially over, it is the perfect time of year to take a look back at the past season’s rookie class.

Who were the impact players, and who were those who left plenty to be desired? Let’s get the recap started…

Player: Roman Wilson

Position: Wide Receiver

Drafted: Round 3 (84th Pick)

2024 Statistics:

Games Played: 1

Games Started: 0

PFF Grades: N/A

Recap: There are players who get drafted by the Steelers who leave fans feeling as if they are getting a red-shirt year. Roman Wilson would fall into that category.

After injuring his ankle on the first day of padded practice, Wilson was unable to get on Mike Tomlin’s “moving train” as a rookie and missing the vast majority of training camp and the preseason. When Wilson was able to return to practice, he was inactive, only playing in one game. Following that singular game action, he injured his hamstring which resulted in a lengthy stint on Injured Reserve (IR). While the Steelers did start his 21-day return to practice window at the end of the season, he never returned to the 53-man roster.

There is no way to evaluate what Wilson could be in the Steelers system for a variety of reasons. Heading into his second season we have no idea what Wilson’s role will be based on how Arthur Smith will use him, and who will be the quarterback of the team next season. On top of all that, can Wilson prove to be healthy, and stay that way?

Wilson was impressive enough at Michigan after winning a National Championship for the Wolverines to get drafted, but he was also a 3rd Round selection. Therefore, tempering expectations for Wilson in Year 2 is a necessity. Rather to be pleasantly surprised, rather than disappointed after placing lofty expectations on the young man who hasn’t caught a single pass in the NFL after one season.

The Steelers have a need at wide receiver this offseason, and Wilson should be viewed as a rookie in 2025. Tough to depend on a player to fill a void when you haven’t truly seen what they can do in the league.

2024 Steelers NFL Draft Recaps

Round 1: Troy Fautanu

Round 2: Zach Frazier

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of the offseason.