The Michigan Wolverines’ offense may have been built around a dominant rushing attack, but that doesn’t mean their passing game didn’t boast some excellent vertical talent on the perimeter. The evidence to support this claim is embodied by the rapid ascension of wide receiver Roman Wilson up the big board rankings throughout the draft process.
Here is everything you need to know about Wilson heading into the 2024 NFL Draft.
How Tall Is Roman Wilson?
Wilson is an explosive vertical weapon with a compact firecracker-type build standing at 5’11”, which puts him at the 23rd percentile among his WR contemporaries.
Despite his explosive athleticism, Wilson’s catch radius does come into question a bit when you pair his smaller stature with his 30 3/8” arm length, which also falls below the 25th percentile.
How Much Does Wilson Weigh?
Wilson isn’t a tiny prospect by any measure and does carry some play strength based on his 12 bench press reps at the NFL Combine. However, his 185-pound frame does put him in the 14th percentile at the WR position.
How Old Is Wilson?
Wilson spent four years in college and will turn 23 years old entering his first NFL season. Currently in consideration for a Day 2 pick, this doesn’t put him anywhere close to the oldest WR prospect in this class, but it does make him one of the older players at the position.
What School Did Wilson Go To?
In a far different college football landscape than even 10 years ago, Wilson feels like a rare case study in comparison to other receiver prospects entering the league who stayed all four years at one school. Wilson attended (and contributed) every year of his collegiate career at the University of Michigan.
Revisiting Wilson’s College Career
Wilson joined the Wolverines’ roster heading into a shortened 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He managed to produce a total of nine receptions for 122 yards and a score during his true freshman campaign in Ann Arbor.
Wilson saw a sizeable jump in his production during his sophomore season in 2022, with 25 receptions for 420 yards and three scores to go with an additional 59 rushing yards on three carries.
With no noteworthy improvement in production, Wilson’s junior year is arguably his least impressive season. His 25 receptions for 376 yards and four scores felt like a bit of a disappointment, considering the promise he showed during his first two years in college.
Yet, Wilson did manage to finish his career at Michigan on a high note during their run to the national championship, scoring 12 TDs — which was more than his previous three years combined — on 48 receptions for 789 yards.
Wilson’s Potential in the NFL
Wilson has the explosive vertical speed to threaten opposing defenses over the top whenever he’s on the football field, making him a valuable commodity to an NFL team. Yet, his release package, underrated route running, and YAC ability suggest he can do a whole lot more than just stretch the defense vertically.
Wilson doesn’t have the ideal size, strength, or length to ideally work outside as an X-receiver, but he can flex outside as a Z-receiver and has the lateral quickness and acceleration to operate out of the slot.
KEEP READING: Top Wide Receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft
Wilson’s lack of size and creativity as a ball carrier likely prevent him from becoming the alpha target earner of an NFL passing attack. Yet, Wilson could thrive in a complementary role alongside a dominant X-receiver who commands extra attention, leaving him to terrorize an opponent’s nickel corner or safeties hung out to dry who try to check him in coverage on the third level.
Expect Wilson to hear his name called on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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