Pre-Season Outlook

Wilson has a good opportunity to earn immediate playing time after the Steelers took him 84th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He joins a team that traded Diontae Johnson earlier in the offseason and then brought in a slew of veteran WRs that have either been No. 3s or backups for most of their careers -- Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins, Scott Miller, Marquez Callaway. There will likely be open competition for roles behind No. 1 receiver George Pickens, with 2022 fourth-round pick Calvin Austin being the only other returning player of note. The hiring of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith hints at Pittsburgh's offense being run-heavy for a second straight year, much like the Michigan offenses Wilson played in during college. He averaged at least 2.0 yards per route and 10.1 per target each of the last three seasons, but he never ran more than 300 routes in a year and only had one big statistical seasons (48-789-12 last year). At 5-11, 185, Wilson ran a 4.39 40 at the 2024 Combine, suggesting his downfield prowess may translate from college to the NFL. Just don't expect too many targets his rookie season, even if he plays quite a bit.