FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Roman Wilson
Roman Wilson (WR – Michigan)
6’0″ – 192 lbs.
Background:
A four-star recruit who caught nine passes in the shortened 2020 season and then posted a 25-420-3 (16.8) line the following year, Roman Wilson was mostly used as an outside receiver. He became a slot-heavy option the following year and went 25-376-4 (15.0). Wilson excelled in 2023, finishing with 48-789-12 (16.4).
Positives:
Made his senior year by far his best. Has adequate size for a pro slot receiver; didn’t line up outside much over the past two years, and was often motioned inside when he did. Goes 100% on the speed motion to stress the defense. Does a lot of work over the middle of the field on overs and crosses, whether from motion or tight alignments, but was also asked to run some slot fades and posts to threaten the defense a bit deeper as well. Very quick feet when releasing at the line of scrimmage. Fast receiver who’s seemingly at his top speed the instant he’s off the line of scrimmage, showing excellent acceleration. Clean breaks at the top of his routes. Can get low and create separation on whip routes and patterns of that nature. Some ability to run away from opposing defenders on crossing routes from pre-snap motion. Settles into soft spots against zone. Offers a reliable pair of hands and good body control to adjust to throws when needed. Shows some competitiveness after the catch.
Negatives:
A lot of his production came in the early games of the year, before conference contests began. Was shut down by a few of the better Big Ten defenses the team played. A thin-framed receiver who doesn’t have the most functional strength and his timing can be disrupted at the line by physical opponents. Knocked off of his landmarks too easily by bigger cornerbacks. Gets pinned to the sideline easily when trying to outside release on the boundary. Not able to use his frame to shield defenders from the ball. Gives pretty good effort but doesn’t offer a whole lot as a blocker.
Summary:
A thin college slot receiver who gets up to speed quickly. He is fast enough to create separation when crossing over the middle of the field and offers a reliable pair of hands with good flexibility and body control. His lack of functional strength can impact his routes at times and will probably struggle to win against big, physical defenders in man coverage at the next level. Still, Wilson could end up earning his quarterback’s trust and contribute as a team’s third or fourth receiver. For that reason, he stands a pretty good shot of coming off the board sometime in the middle rounds.
Projection: Round 5
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