Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith Praises Second-Year WR’s Progress, Eyes Potential Starting Role

Training Camp is only just heating up, but second-year wide receiver Roman Wilson is already making waves in Pittsburgh.

Known for his speed and route-running out of Michigan, Wilson has taken a noticeable step forward this offseason — and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith is among the first to acknowledge it.

“Roman’s doing everything right,” Smith said after Thursday’s practice.
“If he keeps stacking days like this, he’s going to make it very hard for us to keep him off the field - and Coach Tomlin absolutely agrees.”

Wilson, drafted in 2024, saw limited targets in his rookie campaign but impressed coaches with his professionalism and willingness to grind. This year, he arrived at camp leaner, faster, and clearly more comfortable in the Steelers’ offensive system.

He’s been lining up both outside and in the slot, creating matchup problems for defenders and showing strong chemistry with all quarterbacks — including Aaron Rodgers.

With DK Metcalf firmly entrenched as WR1 and Calvin Austin III stepping into a bigger role, Wilson may be carving out a surprise path into the starting trio — or at the very least, a heavy rotational role.

His work ethic, according to coaches, has been “relentless.” Teammates have noticed too, with one veteran calling him “the guy who never takes a rep off.”

There’s still plenty of camp left, but one thing is clear: Roman Wilson has put the league on notice.

And if Arthur Smith’s praise is any indication, the Steelers might have found another reliable weapon ready to step up when September rolls around.