Pittsburgh’s wideout room has been a certified disaster area for years. Finally, they have some actual depth. With DK Metcalf and the newly signed Michael Pittman Jr. locking down the top two spots, a fascinating scrap is brewing for the third chair. It is a classic battle of pedigree versus potential. Roman Wilson and rookie Germie Bernard are about to go head-to-head. Both possess massive upside. Both come from powerhouse college programs. Only one can win the job.
Let us look at the tale of the tape. Bernard, a second-round pick out of Alabama, arrives with massive expectations. The kid is 6-foot-1 and put up 1,656 yards and nine scores during his collegiate career. Fans are already crowning him as the next great Pittsburgh receiver. Then there is Wilson. His NFL story is already weird. Drafted in 2024 after winning a national title with Michigan, his rookie year was a total wash due to injuries. He played exactly one game. Last season started okay, but he eventually fell out of favor, ending up as a healthy scratch down the stretch. When he did play, he showed flashes, like a two-touchdown game against Green Bay. But 12 catches for 166 yards on the year does not guarantee you a job.
Despite the looming roster battle, the two young wideouts are actually training together. They were recently spotted on social media working out with James Everett Jr., the self-proclaimed “Route God” who previously polished the footwork of Antonio Brown and Diontae Johnson. It is a smart move. Everett also worked with George Pickens, who saw his career take off after some intensive route-running tune-ups. In the workout clips, both Wilson and Bernard look incredibly sharp, stopping on a dime and exploding out of their breaks.
This is the best kind of headache for a coaching staff. For years, a lack of offensive weapons has killed this team in December. Now, they have options. Whether it is the hungry sophomore trying to salvage his career or the highly touted rookie, the winner of this slot battle will have earned it. We will get our first real answers soon. Training camp kicks off July 28, and the preseason opener against the Packers on August 13 will show us who has the upper hand.
