Few wide receiver rooms have seen an overhaul as dramatic as the Pittsburgh Steelers'. The team traded for Michael Pittman Jr. and drafted two wide receivers, giving the Steelers a respectable receiver room again with proven veterans and two high-upside rookies. But don't discount the work Roman Wilson has put in as well. This offseason, he and rookie Germie Bernard trained extensively with a coach familiar to Steelers wide receivers.
The world-renowned Route God posted clips showing Wilson and Bernard putting in extensive work together. Route God has previously coached successful Steelers wide receivers such as Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. Seeing these two train with him speaks to their work ethic and willingness to go the extra mile.
Even though Wilson and Bernard are competing for the WR3 job, their shared work ethic is impressive, especially considering that Wilson has pushed Bernard toward this level of effort. This competition can only benefit the Steelers. Competing brings out the best in both players and teaches them a lot about themselves along the way. Both young receivers still need to sharpen their route running at the professional level, and both need on-field experience to put that work into practice.
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Wilson Faces a Crucial Year and Must Produce on the Field
Coming out of Michigan, Wilson entered the league as a rawer talent than Bernard. He doesn't just need route-running coaching, he needs game experience. Several of his routes last season came up short of where they needed to be. One clear example came during a 34-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals: on third-and-goal, Wilson's route stopped well short of the goal line, drawing visible frustration from Aaron Rodgers, who had thrown to a deeper spot than where Wilson ended up.
Still, Wilson flashed real playmaking ability last season. His speed is undeniable, and his acceleration remains his best physical trait, he scored multiple touchdowns purely off raw skill. The Steelers need him to build on that talent with more refinement, and there's no question he'll work hard to get there.
Bernard Could Be a Surprise Rookie for the Steelers
Even if Wilson locks down the WR3 spot heading into the season, Bernard can still contribute meaningfully. Coming out of Alabama, he projected as a multi-role receiver. With two veteran receivers to learn from and a fellow young receiver pushing him, Bernard can develop nicely without the pressure of high rookie expectations. Rodgers tends to lean on his veteran receivers, so earning his trust early could pay off for Bernard well beyond 2026.
Speed isn't Bernard's calling card, but he brings plenty else to the table. He can set himself apart by continuing to sharpen his route running, and his biggest growth area will come from learning to read NFL zone defenses, a common hurdle for rookie receivers.
Ultimately, the extra work Wilson and Bernard are putting in will make them both better. Not just individually, but through the competition pushing each of them forward.
