Draft Analysis: Roman Wilson

March 20, 2024 /
  • Height: 5’10”
  • Weight: 185 lb.
  • College: Michigan
  • Tape watched: UNLV, Ohio State, Indiana, Alabama, Washington
  • NFL Comparison: Tyler Lockett

Pros

  • Route Running

Roman Wilson is a smooth operator in the route running game. I’m not sure there’s anyone with a better “feel” for coverages. The angles and leverage he takes against defenses is efficient and detailed. He knows when he can break routes early and he is masterful at creating just enough space for passes to be completed. Wilson has a plan of attack on every single play, at all three levels of the field.

Wilson’s speed is evident climbing his stem vertically. On crossing routes, he can turn a simple drag or slant into long gains by out-running defenders and breaking the edge to the sideline. He can run by cornerbacks on deep routes, but the long speed doesn’t show up all the time. This is probably due to stride length disadvantages. Wilson’s break steps and double moves are precise, keeping defenders guessing where he is going.

Wilson’s head and body fakes are convincing
Wilson’s ability to find this zone while also keeping depth, as to not draw the linebacker with him is great.
Wilson doesn’t fade downfield with his speed cut on this out route. This is great detail.
  • Hands

One drop in 2023, Roman Wilson catches everything. He has natural hands that find the football. He can be trusted over the middle of the field, including holding on after hard hits. Wilson tracks the ball really well over his shoulder and on the sidelines.

  • Blocking

A given, but you can’t expect to play meaningful snaps at receiver if you can’t block at Michigan. Roman Wilson blocks his ass off for his size and frame. He is patient to stalk, but very active keeping his feet moving and squaring up his body to defenders. Wilson has an excellent drive phase once he gets his hands locked inside the chest of players.

Put this on a technique tape. Every young receiver should watch this clip. Perfect patient stalk, square, attack, and drive.

Midline

  • Release

Wilson can get jammed and rerouted against physical press corners. He is best given a free release, using his explosiveness to fire off the line of scrimmage and run past players.

Cons

  • Size

A shorter-stockier build, Wilson’s game is not played above the rim. His usage may be limited on the perimeter based on his length.

  • YAC

With just two missed tackles forced in 2023, Wilson goes down pretty easily. He does not have great jukes laterally, but he puts his shoulder down and picks up the available yards. Wilson won’t waste time running sideways or backwards, but he also is limited on the extra yards he can pick up.

Overview

Roman Wilson is just a savvy football player. He shows a high football IQ even on elementary plays. His route running and hands will play early in the NFL. Wilson is highly impressive with his dissection of defenses, slicing through zones and leveraging man coverage. He could have a similar rookie year that Josh Downs had, and their profiles are very similar in size and usage. A safe day two pick on draft weekend, Roman Wilson is a fine addition to a receiving core needing speed and reliability.