Steelers' 2025 UDFA Continues To Light It Up At OTAs: "He's Looked Really Good"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had their fair share of unexpected players become huge stars for them over the years. Whether that has been a late-round draft pick or an undrafted free agent (UDFA), there's no shortage of surprises that end up making the roster each year. Over the last couple of decades, the Steelers have had some incredible luck, with a sixth-round pick in Antonio Brown, a seventh-round pick like Brett Keisel, and an UDFA like James Harrison. There are hidden gems everywhere for the Steelers, and they could have another one of their roster in 2026. 

In the Steelers' case, they have a unique situation on their hands. The team is top-heavy at receiver, but beyond that, the depth is where things get interesting. There may be a way for a surprising receiver to nab a spot in camp, if all goes well. A name who has consistently impressed, especially the last regime, could be one in for it as he has had a productive Organized Team Activities (OTAs) period so far. 

That being said, 2025 preseason standout Max Hurleman could pave his way onto the depth chart. The defensive back turned running back/wide receiver put on a show in Latrobe last season and has been another unlikely player to be a part of the Steelers organization. Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo wrote about Hurleman's efforts in his Steelers chat, where he responds to fan-asked questions. 

"He's looked really good. They have a lot of guys like him, so I'm not sure where he fits, but they kept him on the practice squad all year last season for a reason. We'll see if the new staff likes him as much," Fittipaldo wrote.

Though being a practice squad player in 2025, Hurleman adds great depth on special teams, from being a returner in his early years in college to being a coverage guy at Notre Dame. 

Hurleman's story is one of the more unique in the NFL. Having spent four years of his collegiate career with the Colgate Raiders, he stood out as a player who could play multiple positions. He returned kicks and punts, was a pass-catcher, and a running back. 

He was the total package player. For his fifth year, he transferred to Notre Dame, where he showed off even more versatility when he switched to being a defensive back. He continued his special teams dominance, being a key returner and coverage specialist. 

He received a rookie minicamp tryout with the Steelers after he went undrafted in 2025. He clearly impressed as he remained with the team throughout training camp, but was waived before roster cutdowns. He ended up on the practice squad for the 2025 season, and then signed a reserve/futures deal with Pittsburgh for the 2026 campaign. 

Steelers' 2026 Roster May Have Too Many Similar Players

The one issue for Hurleman is not necessarily his play. Pittsburgh would love to have his special teams talents and work ethic, should one of their players go down. However, the Black and Gold took an extremely similar archetype of player in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. That individual was the Navy's Eli Heidenreich. The two have very similar play styles; having been receivers, running backs, and special teamers throughout their collegiate careers. 

Pittsburgh will have to make a tough choice between the two. There's really only room for one of those guy, if either. Training camp will be an interesting battle for the two position-less special teams players. One thing is for sure: both of these individuals fit the mold of a Steeler: they have versatility, a great work ethic, and will grind to make the team. A trend will continue if either one of these guys makes the team. The Steelers know how to find gems in the late rounds or in their UDFA signings. 

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