Who Should I Start? Roman Wilson or Jaylin Noel

Wednesday, May 7, 1:14 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers are counting on wide receiver Roman Wilson to take a Year 2 jump after trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Wilson has looked like a different player this offseason than what he looked like in his injury-riddled rookie campaign in 2024. Pittsburgh selected the 23-year-old in the third round (84th overall) last year out of Michigan, but he played in just one game due to ankle and hamstring injuries and didn't record a single catch. In his final season with the Wolverines in college, Wilson produced 49 catches for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns. If he can get past the injuries that plagued him in his first NFL season, Wilson is fully expected to be the No. 2 wideout behind DK Metcalf, albeit in a run-first offense that currently has Mason Rudolph as the projected starting quarterback.

Friday, May 9, 3:52 PM

Per the team's transaction logs, the Houston Texans have signed third-round wide receiver Jaylin Noel to a four-year, $6.46 million deal. Noel was the No. 79 overall pick and the second of two Iowa State wideouts selected by the Texans, joining second-rounder and fellow Cyclone Jayden Higgins. With the news that WR Tank Dell (knee) will likely miss the 2025 season, the door is open for both pass catchers to compete for snaps and impact the field. Veteran wideout Christian Kirk does pose a threat and significant target competition. Particularly for Noel, who profiles more like Kirk, considering he operated out of the slot in college. However, the rookie bolsters much more juice than the veteran (4.39 40-yard dash) and should eventually make his way to the starting roster. He caught 80 balls for 1,194 yards last season (eight TDs) and is also a seasoned returner.