The remarkable journey of safety Maximus Pulley continues to unfold, and it could ultimately spell job security in the NFL as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles' final 53-man roster.
From an unknown walk-on at Western Kentucky to a celebrated All-American at Wofford, the Fort Worth, Texas native has continuously defied the odds to rise through the gridiron ranks.
After meeting with 20 teams amid a dazzling Pro day performance, Pulley eventually got the call from Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, landing a contract as an UDFA at a position in Philadelphia where there are more questions than answers.
Maximus Pulley has certainly maximized every opportunity
The safety has continued to build off a phenomenal senior season at Wofford, where he stuffed the stat sheet with five interceptions, including a pair of pick-sixes. Along with five pass breakups and three tackles for loss, Pulley also blocked a punt for a touchdown, a special teams feat that adds to the appeal of keeping him long-term on the roster. The first-team All-American was also a top 10 finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, awarded to the top defensive player in the FCS.
According to Gerald Huggins of SI's FCS Football Central, Pulley could fill a valuable depth role with continued development.
"Maximus Pulley is a safety prospect who profiles best as a nickel defender, with good size and below-average length. He shows a quick trigger, high-end burst, and strong downhill closing ability. He excels as an underneath zone defender when roaming the intermediate areas of the field. He has a good feel for spacing, working to his depth, and shows quality range in the shallow areas."
Recently, at OTAs, Pulley put forth a solid showing, remaining active in coverage when called upon. The intriguing part of the equation is not only that Pulley has arrived with additional special teams prowess, but also that, aside from second-year man Andrew Mukuba and returning vet Marcus Epps, the safety room is wide open.
Fellow undrafted free agent Kapena Gushiken has earned praise from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, while the versatile Michael Carter II returns along with rookie seventh-rounder Cole Wisniewski. Andre Sam and free agent addition J.T. Gray round out the group, leaving a reserve role well within striking distance for Pulley.
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With OTAs in the books, Pulley's quest to make the cut in Philadelphia continues. He's got a shot at sticking in this safety room, making the mission he's on well worth following.
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