Of the 33 players invited to try out at the Steelers’ rookie minicamp, perhaps none had more insight or awareness of the organization and its tradition than a 25-year-old tight end from West Florida.

That would be Maverick Wolfley, nephew of former Steelers offensive lineman Craig Wolfley and grandson of two-time Super Bowl champion Ray Mansfield.

Maverick Wolfley is the son of former West Virginia standout Dale Wolfley. He spent three seasons at Akron before transferring to Division II West Florida for his final two years of eligibility.

A Morgantown native, Wolfley was working at a swim school in Peters Township when he got the invitation to attend rookie minicamp.

“I was at a loss for words when I got the text,” Wolfley said.

That’s a rarity for a member of the Wolfley family. Craig, after all, makes his living as a Steelers broadcaster. Another of Maverick’s uncles is Ron Wolfley, the longtime analyst for the Arizona Cardinals.

Maverick’s roots are firmly planted with the Steelers. When the Steelers took the rookies to Acrisure Stadium on Friday for a tour of the Hall of Honor, he saw displays that included Craig Wolfley and his grandfather. Ray Mansfield played center for 13 seasons with the Steelers. His nickname “Ranger” is Maverick Wolfley’s middle name.

“I’m hoping to turn this into a family tradition,” Wolfley said of playing for the Steelers. “Just to be here has been sweet, and it only would make it sweeter if I get a chance to go to camp and show what I can do. I never met my grandpa (Ray Mansfield died in 1996), but I know he’s up there in heaven saying, ‘Go Steelers.’ If he had a Terrible Towel, he’d be up there with it.”

Wolfley is 6-foot-3, 255 pounds. He caught just one pass in eight games last season for West Florida, which won the D-II national title in 2019. Although he didn’t have attractive stats, Wolfley’s bloodline warranted a look from the Steelers.

“The things you look for when talking about a tryout guy are things you can’t coach,” Mike Tomlin said. “The pedigree-related things, the things that they bring. If it’s above the line, meaning if it’s at a professional level, then you consider them. That’s where we start first.

“Look at movement, speed, body control, ability to drop their weight and change directions per position.”

Veteran presence

Bryce Perkins arrived at rookie minicamp hoping his brief experience in the NFL is enough for the Steelers to take a chance on him as a No. 3 quarterback candidate.

Perkins was one of two quarterbacks invited to the minicamp on a tryout basis. The other was former Clemson quarterback Hunter Johnson.

Perkins spent the past three seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, although he didn’t get on the field until 2022. Because of injuries to Matthew Stafford and backup John Wolford, Perkins appeared in five games and started Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

“I’m really excited to come out here and be a part of a new culture, be part of a new staff and a new quarterback room,” Perkins said. “I’m soaking it all in. You can’t come into a difference place with the knowledge you have and try to say, ‘We do it like this, so you should do it this way.’ It’s hearing and listening and absorbing the knowledge the coaches have.”

Perkins, 26, brings some mobility to the position, a trait Tomlin covets. He had 90 yards rushing on 19 attempts last year for the Rams. He didn’t fare so well, however, in his lone start, completing 13 of 23 passes for 100 yards. He threw one touchdown pass, two interceptions and had a 45.6 passer rating.

The Steelers traditionally have four quarterbacks in training camp. Former Minnesota passer Tanner Morgan is the lone undrafted free agent on the offseason roster behind starter Kenny Pickett and backup Mitch Trubisky.

Set in the slot

In the wake of the Steelers releasing veteran Arthur Maulet, Tomlin was asked whether he was using rookie minicamp to audition for competition at slot cornerback.

Apparently not.

“We’re comfortable with the collective that we have in that space,” Tomlin said.

Veteran Chandon Sullivan, who was signed two weeks ago after spending last season with the Minnesota Vikings, will get a look at slot corner. Patrick Peterson said he is open the playing some on the inside. The Steelers also have third-year defensive back Tre Norwood as a possibility as well as former second-round draft pick Duke Dawson.

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