The Pittsburgh Steelers may have found a diamond in the rough with their undrafted free agent class. While this isn’t the most surprising considering Pittsburgh added some more notable names with this class, the actual player who is shooting up the depth chart is.
This class featured a few big names. Roc Taylor was extremely productive at Memphis and has size and speed. Sebastian Castro was viewed by many as a late-round sleeper. Even interior offensive linemen, Aiden Williams, looked the part of a developmental player.
Instead, the Steelers have found a pure football player in a guy who didn’t even sign with a team right after the draft.
Max Hurleman had a unique college career. He played all over the place at numerous schools, seeing time as a defensive back, running back, receiver, and special teams ace during his time in college. He failed to get offered a deal after the draft, but the Steelers took a chance on him after their rookie minicamp.
After a solid debut against the Jaguars, Hurleman is making the case to steal away a roster spot. Who figures to get hurt the most from him? That answer is Robert Woods.
The Pittsburgh Steelers may opt for the youth over the experience
Woods was signed late by the Steelers to seemingly fill out their receiver room with the physical veteran presence they have coveted over the past few seasons. From Allen Robinson to Van Jefferson, this team has enjoyed having that mediocre veteran player on offense.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the Woods of old. Most of his speed has been zapped, and while he can make a few contested catches, he isn’t the quality starter that he used to be. That said, with so little competition, it is easy to pencil him into a roster spot as the fifth receiver.
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That is no longer the case. Woods has been mostly a nonfactor in camp, and his play against the Jaguars was proof of that. Meanwhile, young players like Hurleman, Roc Taylor, and Ke’Shawn Williams all popped up in their debut.
While Taylor and Williams have their respective fan bases, Hurleman makes the most sense as a fifth receiver right now. He can serve as depth there, play running back in a pinch, and play on special teams as both a return man and in kick coverage.
That kind of versatility gives him a role out of the gate. It also provides additional depth to multiple positions on offense. Woods, meanwhile, doesn’t offer much on special teams at this point, and his value as a receiver is limited.
It is hard to cut a veteran like Woods, but his play is in serious decline. Keeping him over a versatile Hurleman would be a massive blunder. He is certainly a player who is feeling a lot of heat right now.