Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson is a high-level separator in the 2024 NFL Draft. Wilson confirmed his elite athleticism at the NFL Combine by running a 4.39 40. He’s elevated his pre-draft stock as a result.
Wilson recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network while discussing his new partnership with Six Star Protein Shake and their new Kellogg’s Froot Loops flavor. Wilson also touched on his pre-draft visits, the art of route running, blocking for an NFL offense, and more.
JM: Your pre-draft workouts have been fueled by the new Six Star Protein Shake in Kellogg's Froot Loops flavor. The flavor is available exclusively at Sam’s Club locations throughout the United States. How have they spearheaded your workouts?
Roman Wilson: The big thing for me throughout this process has been trying to get my body ready for the next level. When working out and doing on-field position work, I have to make sure I’m being efficient. I can’t waste too much time.
It’s easier for me to grab a Six Star Protein Shake. I just grab it off the shelf and start my day by getting some good protein in. It’s been such a positive change for me. Froot Loops was one of my favorite cereals growing up, so the new flavor is awesome (laughs). It’s been a great collaboration. I love the new flavor and taste. It’s been an easy and comfortable change for me.
JM: What tangible differences have you noticed since using Six Star’s Kellogg's Froot Loops flavor?
Roman Wilson: I definitely feel awake and more alive to attack my morning workouts. My body feels less beat down. I’ve definitely noticed that I’m hurting a little less after my workouts. I’m noticing daily positive changes.
JM: It’s shown through the results. You put forth an outstanding performance at the NFL Combine by running a 4.39 40. Were you satisfied with the overall performance?
Roman Wilson: I definitely wasn’t satisfied (laughs). I was actually pretty upset after I ran the 4.39. I guess I’m okay with it at the end of the day. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy. I just wish I ran a little faster and got that time a little lower.
It’s not a huge deal at the end of the day. I won’t be drafted to run a 40-yard dash. It’s all good.
JM: It’s a great time. I’d say you’re being hard on yourself. You're such a great route runner versus man and zone coverage that I want to put you in a scenario. Say it's 3rd-and-long with the game on the line. Would you rather be manned up versus a boundary or nickel corner or facing zone defense where you could find a soft spot to sit down in?
Roman Wilson: I would definitely take man coverage if it’s 3rd-and-long in that scenario. There’s going to be so much space I can work with versus man coverage in 3rd-and-long. One of my favorite routes is a deep crossing route. I just feel like it’s damn near impossible to cover that route in man coverage on 3rd-and-long, especially if it’s coming from the boundary.
JM: I love that. Do you approach bigger cornerbacks differently than you do smaller cornerbacks in situations like that one?
Roman Wilson: Yeah, I definitely do. Those bigger cornerbacks try to get their hands on me earlier in the rep. They know that, and I know that as well. That’s the biggest thing when a bigger cornerback is squaring off with a smaller receiver. He wants to jam me up and slow me down at the line of scrimmage. I have to approach them differently.
JM: Have you made any 30 Pre-draft visits to teams throughout this process? Do you have more on the schedule? I believe I saw a few of them on social media.
Roman Wilson: Yeah, I had visits with the New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and Detroit Lions. All three of those visits went really well. I’ve loved the process of meeting with teams and taking a look at their facilities.
We’re talking about culture and foundation. It’s been a blast. I’ve been meeting with offensive coordinators and wide receiver coaches. We’re talking scheme and what they’re looking for in a receiver, and how they want to attack defenses. It’s been so much fun for me.
JM: Are you breaking down tape with them? If so, what’s their biggest takeaway from your Michigan tape? I bet that's led to some good conversations. You have such a high football IQ.
Roman Wilson: Yeah, we have. Most of my visits, whether they occurred in person or via Zoom, we’ve been watching a bunch of tape. Actually, we’ve watched some of my worst reps on tape (laughs). We’re talking about teachable moments and what went wrong. I’m always looking to get better.
I think some of these coaches want to hear me coach up myself. We’ve looked at some of my least impressive reps and what I think went wrong. It’s been good for me because my main focus this offseason has been to get better.
It’s been productive to touch on those details that are going to make me a better route runner. It’s all about getting better as a route runner.
JM: Speaking of, what do you feel are the three most important traits of route-running?
Roman Wilson: I’d probably say separation, the ability to get in and out of your breaks, getting your hips sunk, and getting your feet in the right spot. You have to have consistent hands to catch every target that comes your way. Last but not least is the ability to make plays. It doesn’t really matter how you do it. Nothing else matters as long as you’re making explosive plays.
JM: You’re a great run blocker as well. You had to block in that Michigan offense.
Roman Wilson: No block, no rock. That was our motto at Michigan. You have to know how to block if you’re going to play at Michigan. That’s true in the NFL as well. If you want the ball, you need to prove that you deserve it. You have to set the foundation for yourself by letting coaches know what type of player you are.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. This has been outstanding. What kind of impact is Roman Wilson going to make at the next level?
Roman Wilson: I’m going to be consistent by always being where I’m supposed to be. I’m going to be a reliable weapon. I’m going to make plays by spreading the field out and attacking the spaces that are available to me.
I’m going to score a bunch of touchdowns.
