It's difficult for players to see their NFL dreams come true, but for Pittsburgh Steelers' undrafted free agent Max Hurleman, it's even less likely. He worked his way from Colgate as an offensive juggernaut to Notre Dame, where he worked his way from a walk-on to a role player.
Everyone who paid attention to the 2025 NFL Draft knew about Travis Hunter, but Hurleman didn't get the same hype.
Hunter and Hurleman have something in common; they both played on offense and defense throughout their careers. Hurleman played receiver and running back at Colgate, but switched to the cornerback position at Notre Dame. That type of position flexibility confused NFL scouts, causing him to slip in the draft process. They weren't sure where the prospect should play.
The former college star worked his way onto the Steelers' rookie minicamp tryouts. After a strong showing at minicamp, he found an NFL opportunity in Pittsburgh. He gained a shot in the league that many players never get.
OTAs were in full gear this past week, and Hurleman has kept his optimistic momentum going after a strong showing during practices.
Pittsburgh Steelers undrafted free agent receiver is on the right path coming out of OTAs
It was a monumental week for the undrafted free agent.
Special teams are where players like him must succeed if they want a realistic shot at making the final roster. Going from undrafted try-out to making the roster to a beneficial week at OTAs, Hurleman is on the right path to give himself a shot at making noise at training camp.
While Hurleman has enjoyed a strong start to the preseason process, there are plenty of tests to go. Getting this kind of traction early on is always a beneficial outcome for any rookie working his way from a try-out deal. He has been playing receiver and running back, hoping to catch on as an offensive weapon or as a returner. He made plays at Colgate, and he needs that to continue.
According to Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live, Hurleman has continued to display his versatility.
"The Steelers have him flipping between slot wide receiver and running back. This week, he has worked exclusively at slot wide receiver."
The Steelers don't seem focused on holding this unique prospect back by holding him to one position. They did keep him at receiver during OTAs, but it would be reckless to think Pittsburgh wouldn't shuffle him around the offense. His versatility in his position is one of his best qualities.
No one should hold high expectations for this offensive dynamo. The versatility is intriguing, but it'll be an uphill battle to make the roster, no matter if he's envisioned as a receiver or running back. If he wants a shot at making the roster, he will need to boost himself over four or five players to get into the conversation. His position versatility has done him some favors, but it has also been a curse.
His production at Colgate was staggering, but he didn't have much time at Notre Dame to prove his worth. There is a spot on the roster for Hurleman if he can find a balance between producing as an offensive weapon this preseason and becoming a dynamic returner.
