The Pittsburgh Steelers had one of the better feel-good stories of the draft when they selected Eli Heidenreich with their final pick in the draft. The hybrid running back/receiver figures to be a fun gadget piece for this offense if he can earn a spot.
That spot now seems even more in question.
Max Hurleman was a training camp darling a year ago. A college running back, he was seeing more snaps at receiver for Pittsburgh. He was also being used on special teams, a role vital for a depth player. He did enough to stick around on the practice squad last year.
Now he is once again going to push for a roster spot, and it could cost Heidenreich his opportunity to make the team.
Max Hurleman could push Eli Heidenreich off the Pittsburgh Steelers roster
While Heidenreich is the hot new name, he has a lot to prove before you can cement him into a roster spot. We don’t know what will translate on the field.
He was dynamic in college, but that was in a very unique Navy offense. Specialty players like that often struggle to find natural homes in the NFL.
He could certainly defy those odds, especially if used right, but that is only half the battle. We also need to see him contribute on special teams, as that will arguably more vital of a role than his ability on offense initially.
Hurleman has a year of experience to hang his hat on. While this is a new coaching staff, he has done everything right so far.
Many have listed him as an early winner of the offseason program. He is certainly putting in the work.
No, they aren’t the same player, but they carry some redundancies. Hurleman is more of a receiver than running back, while Heidenreich is the opposite, seemingly. However, I can only envision one of them making the roster, if at all.
This feels like it will be a closer battle than many are anticipating. If Hurleman continues to ascend, it will likely cost Heidenreich his opportunity as a rookie. This is a battle to watch once camp gets underway.
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