The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Eli Heidenreich, running back out of Navy, with their 2nd 7th-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
In drafting Eli Heidenreich, Omar Khan and Mike McCarthy addressed the bottom of the Steelers 2026 Draft Needs Matrix, but in many ways saved the draft’s best story for last.
Heidenreich is from Pittsburgh, the draft was held in Pittsburgh, and the Mt. Lebanon native got to hear his name called and walk across the stage in his hometown. It was an emotional moment that will long be remembered:
@steelers With the 230th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, we select RB/WR Eli Heidenreich. 📺: 2026 NFL Draft April 23-25 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC #steelers #nfldraft #eliheidenreich ♬ original sound – Pittsburgh Steelers
Hollywood couldn’t have scripted it better.
Steelers 7th round pick and Pittsburgh native Eli Heidenreich carrying the ball for Navy. Photo Credit: navysports.com
Eli Heidenreich Scouting Report: Navy Running Back’s Profile and Traits
Eli Heidenreich was the 230th player taken in the 2026 NFL Draft. The odds of the 230th player making the final 53 man roster are long, to say the least.
But, as Steel City Insider’s Roy Countryman points out, this was anything but a sentimental pick on the part of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Coutnryman labeled him as his top running back value pick for the 7th round, and correctly predicted the Steelers would pick him.
What makes Heidenreich so dangerous is his athletic ability and work ethic, which gives him the ability to get the maximum out of his skill set. He is willing to do the dirty work necessary for his team to win, whether that is running the ball, catching passes from the slot, or laying a block, and he has some of the best pure football instincts of anyone in the class.
Matt C. Steel also liked Heidenreich as a 7th rounder and projects him as a third down back.
Eli Heidenreich Highlights: Breaking Down the Navy Running Back’s Film
To quote Countryman, Eli Heidenreich is so fascinating “because his toolkit is soooo unique.”
Eli Heidenreich’s versatility as a runner, receiver, and blocker stands out on film. Watch his Navy highlights below:
Key takeaways: You can see why Heidenreich projects as a versatile offensive weapon capable of contributing on third downs, special teams, and in hybrid running back and wide receiver roles.
Eli Heidenreich’s Path to Making the Steelers 53-Man Roster
While Eli Heidenreich stole the show at the draft, he must find a way to differentiate himself this summer at St. Vincents.
In the modern-day NFL team it is rare for a team to keep more than 3 running backs on this active roster. And the Steelers already drafted Riley Nowakowski and list him as a fullback alongside running backs Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle and Kaleb Johnson.
But in his closing press conference Mike McCarthy did talk about his appreciation for the 2-back offense, and with the Steelers still needing some depth at wide receiver Eli Heidenreich position flexibility as a wide receiver can only work in his favor.
Either way, he’s got a shot at playing for the Steelers. What more could a hometown kid ask for?
Welcome back home to Pittsburgh, Eli Heidenreich!
What a nice story, and who wouldn’t be rooting for this 7th round pick? I hope he makes a name for himself in the NFL, and achieves his professional football dreams.
Thanks for posting. I too am rooting for Heidenrich.