Jets Draft Profile: Michigan Receiver Roman Wilson
While New York Jets fans continue to clamor for adding the athleticism and exciting style of free agent receiver Mike Williams, the team’s brass is likley to seek some pass-catching help via the NFL Draft.
As this year’s class is considered to be rich in receiver talent, the Jets may look to the mid-rounds to secure some much-needed assistance for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
One name they may be smart to consider is Michigan’s Roman Wilson.
Credit: Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports
In 2023, Wilson logged 48 catches for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns, en route to helping the Wolverines to a national championship. The 5-10, 180-pound prospect has shown notable improvement for each of the past two seasons — starting with a 25-catch, 376-yard performance in 2022 in which he caught four touchdowns, and his 2021 (campaign which saw him collect 420 yards on 25 caches with three scores.
Following a standout showing during Senior Bowl practices in February, Wilson showcased his impressive speed at the NFL Scouting Combine, posting a 4.39 run time in the 40. Combined with his quickness as a route-runner, he could be a solid fit in a Jets offense which is predicated on receivers who track the ball well and can make plays beyond the catch point.
Considered a likley Day 2 selection — either in the draft’s third or fourth rounds, the Jets may consider picking Wilson with their third-rounder (No. 72) overall, or move up a bit in the fourth, a round in which they currently hold the No. 111 and 134 choices, respectively.
In the wake of Rodgers’ season-ending torn Achilles in Week 1 last season, New York’s pass-catchers struggled due to poor quarterback play and ineffective talent management. In fact, Pro Football Focus ranked them 31 of 32 NFL teams. The exception to the rule, star receiver Garrett Wilson, caught 95 passes for 1,042 yards and three touchdowns.
However, the Jets failed to receive notable contributions from the remaining components of their positional depth chart — most notably Allen Lazard, who despite signing a four-year, $44 million deal with New York last offseason, logged only 23 catches for 311 yards and one touchdown.
In addition to Wilson and Lazard — who is reportedly on the trade block — the Jets currently employ Xavier Gipson, Jason Brownlee, Irvin Charles, Lance McCutcheon and Malik Taylor on their depth chart.
