The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 season has generated quite the buzz. It’s natural for excitement to be through the roof anytime football is coming back to the Steel City. However, the energy this year feels different because of the arrival of Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, along with other new faces like Jalen Ramsey and DK Metcalf, to name just a couple.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf smile as they talk during training camp in Latrobe, PA.
However, during training camp, the spotlight isn’t really on the superstars. Instead, the focus is on the role players and the guys fighting to make the roster. These players are critical for the Steelers coaching staff to evaluate as they prepare for the season ahead.
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly recently highlighted two players flying under the radar who have been making great impressions in camp so far: Max Hurleman and D’Shawn Jamison. Their performances have quietly caught the attention of coaches and could prove vital to the team’s depth this year.
"Stop me if you've heard this before: Max Hurleman is always around the ball. In honor of the late, great Tunch and Wolf, he would be my ‘Camp Darling’ two weeks in," Kaboly wrote in his article for his social media. "He can run, he can catch, he can play cornerback in a pinch, and he looks so smooth catching punts."
Hurleman was actually listed as a running back on the Steelers team site. On the team’s first official depth chart, Hurleman is listed as the fifth-string wide receiver.
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Steelers' Max Hurleman running his 40 yard dash during his Notre Dame Pro Day ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft in which he didn't hear his name called.
However, Kaboly believes the biggest win the coaching staff has seen from Hurleman is clearly his versatility. He makes his money on special teams.
"He [Hurleman] was responsible for Waitman’s only touchback during the special teams period as he decided to let the ball hit the ground at the 10-yard line rather than fair catch it," Kaboly wrote.
Kaboly didn’t stop at just listing Hurleman. In fact, he sees another player who has been everywhere in camp. Kaboly believes D’Shawn Jamison is a player who could be making his way up the depth chart to help Pittsburgh in the 2025 NFL season.
"You might be able to add another one to that list of always around the ball – second-year defensive back D’Shawn Jamison," Kaboly said. "Jamison has played for the 49ers, Panthers and was on the Steelers practice squad last year, and this is after a five-year career at Texas. Every practice, No. 17, has stood out in some way."
Both Hurleman and Jamison are examples of the kind of players the Steelers need to watch closely during training camp. While big-name signings grab headlines, it is these under-the-radar guys who often become key contributors when the regular season starts. The Steelers have a history of finding diamonds in the rough, and these two look like they could fit that mold.
Steelers Excited About Max Hurleman's Versatility
Hurleman’s main strength is on special teams, where he can really carve out a role for himself. His ability to play both running back and wide receiver adds valuable flexibility, but it’s his special teams play that has caught the coaching staff’s attention. Coaches love players who can contribute in multiple ways, and Kaboly’s praise of Hurleman’s versatility highlights just how important that is for the team.
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Steelers' Max Hurleman runs with the football during the 2025 training camp sessions.
Jamison has been everywhere on the field during camp, showing strong commitment and work ethic. Whether lining up on defense or special teams, he has demonstrated the hustle the Steelers coaching staff values. If he keeps impressing, Jamison could move up the depth chart and earn a more meaningful role this season. With new stars joining the team, it’s these under-the-radar players who could make a big difference for the Steelers in 2025.
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