Steelers' underrated weapon named among team's biggest training camp winners

Steelers' underrated weapon named among team's biggest training camp winners originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Steelers already have one preseason game in the books, and are now preparing for their second exhibition game against the Buccaneers this week. 

In the first matchup with the Jaguars, the Steelers came away with a 31-25 victory. Of course, wins and losses are irrelevant in preseason, but it always feels good to add a win regardless. 

The more important thing during the preseason is the development of players on the roster. There were some standouts in the first game that fans are familiar with, like Beanie Bishop Jr., Skylar Thompson, and Scotty Miller. 

However, there is one player many fans won't know who has been tearing it up all summer, including in the preseason opener. Max Hurleman, an undrafted free agent from Notre Dame, is quickly catching eyes and will likely be forcing a difficult conversation for the team. 

In fact, Jacob Punturi of Sports Illustrated named Hurleman as one of the Steelers' biggest winners of training camp. 

Regarding Hurleman, Punturi offered the following: 

The most impressive newcomer at Steelers’ training camp has to be undrafted free agent Max Hurleman. He’s fast, can catch the ball, runs clean routes and can play special teams. Finding a spot on the 53-man roster is going to be a difficult task for MIke Tomlin and his staff, but Hurleman’s camp performance has earned him heavy consideration.

As Punturi mentioned, Hurleman can do it all. The versatile weapon has shown off his speed, hands, and ability to help on special teams. 

In the preseason opener, Hurleman caught two passes for 29 yards and one touchdown. The Notre Dame product also collected a tackle on special teams, and there's no quicker way for depth players to win a coach over than by contributing on special teams. 

Hurleman has impressed the Steelers since first being invited to rookie minicamp earlier this offseason. After his initial workout with the team, Hurleman was even complimented by general manager Omar Khan.

If Hurleman does make the team, it will undoubtedly be among the best underdog stories of the year. During Hurleman's final year of college in 2024, he couldn't even get on the field on offense, and contributed exclusively on special teams.

In 16 games with the Fighting Irish, Hurleman returned 23 kicks for 138 yards, and also collected 11 tackles and a fumble recovery on special teams. 

In Pittsburgh, Hurleman could make the team as a wide receiver, and his efforts on special teams could end up being the difference.