Caleb Harris
It’s never a bad thing to be compared to Hines Ward, a fearless, physical receiver who parlayed his unique ability into a Hall of Fame career (he’s not in it yet, but that’s for another day). Former Michigan standout Roman Wilson was compared to the legendary Pittsburgh receiver shortly after the Steelers drafted him.
“In the third round, the Steelers took two players who resemble the great Hines Ward,” wrote Jim Wexellthe founder of Steel City Insider and Steelers reporter since 1995. “In WR Roman Wilson, the Steelers had a starter with inside/outside ability and 4.39 40 speed. They also had a team player and relentless blocker, and a player with a big chip on his shoulder having been called up so late.
“And with the next pick, they drafted an ILB with 4.43 speed, even though he doesn’t have an ACL. Just like Ward. Payton Wilson was selected 98th overall. Ward was selected 92nd in 1998.”
The fact that Wexell also compared Payton Wilson to Ward is ironic, given that Wilson plays the position (linebacker) that Ward so tormented during his 14-year career. In fact, your jaw-breaking blow about then-Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers in 2008, almost remembered as much as Ward’s MVP performance in Super Bowl XL.
Ward played a lot as a receiver with a linebacker mentality, which is one of the things that quickly endeared himself to Steelers fans. Ward holds the unofficial title of greatest blocking receiver of all time, a distinction he wears with a medal of honor.
Along with his physical presence, Ward could also catch. He is one of eight players in NFL history with at least 1,000 career receptions, 12,000 receiving yards and 85 touchdowns.
Given Ward’s brilliant career, comparing anyone to him is saying something. That’s why when someone of Wexell’s stature does just that, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Now, Wexell isn’t saying Wilson will end up being as good as Ward, but he obviously thinks Wilson possesses aspects of Ward’s makeup, which could lead to good things for both Wilson and the Steelers.
Anyone who watched Wilson at Michigan and also Ward’s career saw these parallels. Like Ward, Wilson is a somewhat undersized receiver who makes up for his size with athleticism and relentless physicality. He was often able to make a big play when the Wolverines needed it most, like his two big catches late in regulation in Michigan’s eventual win over Alabama last year. College football Semifinal of the playoffs at the Rose Bowl.
Also like Ward, Wilson was known at Michigan for his crushing blocks, his ability to reach the end zone and his team-first attitude. Given these traits, it should come as no surprise that Wilson played a key role in Michigan’s best season in over 60 years.
Wilson should fit right in with what the Steelers are trying to do on offense under new coordinator Arthur Smith. Pittsburgh, in the words of Mike Tomlin, wants “roll people” on the offensive side of the ball in 2024. If that’s the case, Pittsburgh drafted the right receiver to help them achieve that goal. In the process, Wilson may carve out a role that will continue to draw comparisons to Ward, arguably the greatest Steelers of them all.
