All articles tagged with #eli heidenreich
The Steelers drafted Navy's Eli Heidenreich in the seventh round, and CBS's Pete Prisco believes he could be a big steal as a versatile slot receiver who may thrive in the middle of the field; with a 4.44-second 40 and a background at both WR and RB, he’ll likely make the roster through special teams first while Pittsburgh evaluates his potential at multiple spots during training camp.
On Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, Navy playmaker Eli Heidenreich, a Mt. Lebanon product, joined the Steelers in a moment that drew Willie Colon’s Rocky Bleier–style comparison. Colon praised Heidenreich’s speed and potential value in the run game, though the piece cautions that the Bleier comparison may be a stretch given Heidenreich’s different path. Heidenreich shined at Navy and impressed at the Shrine Bowl and Combine, and Pittsburgh hopes he can contribute behind a revamped run game; the draft also saw the Eagles trade up to select WR Makai Lemon, shaping a dramatic finish to the Steelers’ draft.
The Steelers selected Navy RB Eli Heidenreich with the 230th pick (Round 7), aiming to add a versatile back who can contribute as a runner, receiver, and returner after Kenny Gainwell's departure. Analysts graded Heidenreich from mid to late rounds, praising his hands, route-running, and toughness but warning about limited acceleration and pass-protection experience; the consensus is he could carve out a role as a depth runner, receiver, and special-teams contributor rather than a starter.
The Steelers wrapped up a busy, offense-heavy 2026 draft with 10 picks and three trades. ESPN’s Jordan Reid highlighted Navy star Eli Heidenreich as the best value in the seventh round (No. 230) and Penn State QB Drew Allar in the third round (No. 76) as a surprising pick, giving Pittsburgh versatile playmaking potential and a long-term QB option. Heidenreich is expected to contribute on special teams initially, while Allar provides a high-upside quarterback to develop under GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy.
In the 7th round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Steelers drafted Navy running back Eli Heidenreich with the 230th overall pick, drawing a roaring hometown crowd. Heidenreich, a Naval Academy midshipman set to graduate in May, wore Full Dress Blue and saluted before taking photos with a Steelers cap. He had planned a five-year Marine Corps commitment but will be allowed to pursue an NFL career first, deferring service afterward, highlighting the unique link between military service and football in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers selected Navy RB/WR Eli Heidenreich in the 7th round (230th overall), a high-upside, multi-position playmaker who could contribute on offense and special teams. With Navy’s record for receiving and his ability to play both running back and wideout (and return duties), analysts see him as a potential, if long-shot, roster candidate whose dynamic burst could unlock added value for Latrobe—even if his role isn’t immediately defined.
Pittsburgh hosted a record 805,000 fans for the 2026 NFL Draft as the Khan–McCarthy era began, with the Steelers drafting 10 of 12 picks including two offensive-line pieces, another offensive weapon, a few safeties and a developmental quarterback; Day 3 brought Kaden Wetjen (No. 121) to boost the return game, Riley Nowakowski (No. 169) as a versatile fullback, and hometown favorite Eli Heidenreich (No. 230) for an emotional ending, signaling a focus on special teams and multi-positional offense.