Calvin Austin III Details Why He’s Impressed with Roman Wilson

PITTSBURGH — Calvin Austin III lit up when asked about Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson. He then proceeded to gush over the next minute plus about what makes Wilson different from most rookies that he has encountered throughout his short career so far.

Austin is not the only one to heap praise on the Michigan product, but he was the one to describe in detail how he expects Wilson to take steps throughout the Summer and plug right into the wide receiver lineup. So, how will Wilson do it? His speed, route running, and toughness are three areas that jump right off the page.

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Calvin Austin III at the team’s OTAs, May 28, 2024 – Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

“That’s my dog. You can tell he’s just ready to learn,” Austin said. “He’s eager to learn, asking questions, wanting to know how he can make this route better. I’m telling you, though, some of the questions he was asking me, I was like,’ bro, I have the perfect answer for you.’ I think to when I was young, and it was guys like Anthony Miller and Gunner Olszewski, and they were telling me what to do against Cover 2 Man when I’m in the slot. Roman’s a baller man. He’s going to be a great player. He’ll be ready.”

Austin has seen it all at the start of his rocky career. So, he can help someone like Roman Wilson assimilate into the offense and environment and anyone. Austin’s rookie season was wiped out by a lisfranc injury, and in his second season, he struggled with the small details in his game. Wilson can advance past some of those struggles.

With mentors like Austin around him, Wilson’s skill set should be utilized immediately in the Arthur Smith slot role. His growth as an outside wide receiver remains the biggest question in his game, and it is not due to his size but instead his struggles against press coverage.

Right now, Wilson would be the favorite to land the WR2 job to start the season. Even if the team does make an outside move like some expect, Wilson’s role as the season goes along projects to expand.