Steelers rookie eli heidenreich impresses skeptic at minicamp

Pittsburgh Steelers seventh-round pick Eli Heidenreich showed promising skills during rookie minicamp, prompting a shift in opinion from longtime critic Mark Kaboly. The former Navy midshipman, who appeared at the draft in uniform, had already agreed to terms with another team before his selection.

Mark Kaboly, speaking on 93.7 The Fan, admitted he had dismissed the selection at first. “I wasn’t a big fan of the Eli Heidenreich pick,” he said. “I just figured it was a big schtick.” After watching Heidenreich move through drills, however, Kaboly noted visible similarities to Christian McCaffrey in size, skill set and quickness through the line. He stressed that Heidenreich is not McCaffrey but said the talent was clear on the field.

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Eli Heidenreich, Steelers' 2026 draft pick from Navy, celebrates on Pittsburgh NFL Draft stage with jersey and fans.
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Steelers select hometown Navy RB Eli Heidenreich in seventh round to close 2026 NFL Draft

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The Pittsburgh Steelers capped the 2026 NFL Draft—hosted in their hometown—with the 230th overall pick, selecting versatile Navy running back Eli Heidenreich, a Mt. Lebanon native and lifelong fan. The pass-catching back, likened to ex-Steelers standout Kenneth Gainwell (lost to free agency), joins a crowded backfield with Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, and Kaleb Johnson.

Eli Heidenreich took part in his first Steelers rookie minicamp this weekend and drew positive comments from head coach Mike McCarthy.

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Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz, a fellow Pittsburgh native, expressed strong excitement for the team's seventh-round draft pick Eli Heidenreich on his podcast, predicting the Navy running back will 'open a lot of eyes' with his talent.

The Pittsburgh Steelers began their 2026 rookie minicamp on Friday, giving the team its first look at the draft class. General manager Omar Khan said he does not know Aaron Rodgers' current location amid reports of a possible visit this weekend. Conflicting accounts have emerged about whether a contract meeting is scheduled.

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Anonymous NFL executives expressed puzzlement over the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 NFL Draft selections, particularly first-round pick Max Iheanachor and later versatile players. The picks aim to bolster the offense under new head coach Mike McCarthy amid concerns at quarterback and left tackle. One standout addition, wide receiver Germie Bernard, drew widespread praise.

Pittsburgh Steelers second-round pick Germie Bernard has impressed coaches and observers during rookie minicamp, OTAs and mandatory minicamp. The Alabama wide receiver, selected at No. 47 overall after a trade-up, is viewed as pro-ready by those who have watched him practice.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers selected 10 players in the 2026 NFL Draft, including offensive tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round and wide receiver Kaden Wetjen in the fourth. Newcomer Kaden Wetjen expressed openness to lining up in the backfield on offense. Analysts offered varied praise and criticism for the haul.

 

 

 

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