Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers envisioned a lot more than they’ve gotten since they selected Roman Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Michigan product was buried under Calvin Austin III, Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling while trying to work into the lineup last season, then Mike McCarthy’s team added Germie Bernard in the second round of April’s selection process.
Former Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens receiver Steve Smith doesn’t believe in Wilson’s chances to finally make an impact this upcoming season.
“Here’s what I hear. He’s a great kid, excellent blocker,” Smith said Friday. “You never wanna hear that when you’re a wide receiver. That’s like the ugly baby. … There is value (in it). So much value they drafted someone else.”
Wilson had a dozen grabs for 166 yards and two touchdowns last season. Both of those scores came when the Steelers were down double digits in the fourth frame. Even as he was listed as an inactive for almost every game down the stretch, he tried to stay engaged and learn from the obstacle.
Still, Smith believes Bernard has the upper hand in their competition. The two worked out together with Route God earlier this month.
“This battle right here, Wilson and Bernard, and here’s the part that’s going to be the difference,” Smith said. “Bernard can create things at the line of scrimmage to get off press coverage that Wilson struggles to do on a consistent level.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Former All-Pro Disguises Jab at Steelers WR as Compliment
