Why Steelers Roman Wilson Is Perfect Receiver For McCarthy's Offense

There is no question this off-season, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be looking to upgrade their group of receivers in order to successfully run new head coach Mike McCarthy's West Coast offense. With this noted, if there is one receiver currently on the roster whose skillset fits their offense to a tee, it's Roman Wilson — yes, the same Roman Wilson who saw only 253 offensive snaps under former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s system and registered just 166 yards on 12 receptions.

Wilson’s traits line up almost perfectly with what McCarthy’s scheme demands. The West Coast offense is built on timing, rhythm, and quick separation, and Wilson excels at winning early in the route. His release package, short‑area burst, and ability to uncover immediately make him a natural fit for an offense that wants the quarterback hitting the top of his drop and firing. Where Arthur Smith’s system didn’t emphasize timing-based concepts, McCarthy’s relies on them, giving Wilson a much clearer path to meaningful snaps.

This fit becomes even more obvious when you look at the concepts McCarthy leans on.

Mesh routes, a staple of his playbook, require receivers who can navigate traffic, maintain speed, and create yards after the catch. Wilson thrives in these situations. His fluidity and spatial awareness allow him to slip through underneath defenders and turn shallow crossers into chunk plays. Dragon concepts—quick slant/flat combinations—highlight another strength: his ability to win inside leverage instantly and accelerate through the catch, making him an ideal first-read option in the quick game.

When you look at concepts—built around the slant/flat combination (dragon), this highlights another area where Wilson’s traits shine, as these concepts are foundational quick‑game calls in McCarthy's offense. These plays rely on receivers who can win inside leverage immediately and catch the ball in stride, and that’s arguably Wilson’s strongest trait. His burst off the line and ability to stay balanced through contact make him a natural target on slants, where timing and rhythm are everything.

When looking this with a wide lens, Wilson isn’t just a receiver who can survive in the West Coast offense—he’s the archetype of what the system wants. His quickness, precision, and YAC ability make him a natural chain-mover in a scheme built around efficiency. Under McCarthy, Wilson’s skillset finally aligns with the structure around him, giving him a real opportunity to emerge as one of the Steelers’ most effective and reliable playmakers.