Steelers coordinator details special teams plan for heidenreich

Pittsburgh Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Crossman has outlined how seventh-round draft pick Eli Heidenreich will get opportunities across multiple roles this offseason.

Heidenreich, a versatile player from the Naval Academy, set the program's receiving record and rushed for more than 1,100 yards during his college career. To earn a spot on the Steelers' 53-man roster, the hometown product will need to contribute on special teams, where he already has experience returning punts and covering kicks and punts over three seasons.

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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.

Scouts ranked Navy's Eli Heidenreich among the top running backs available and often in the top 200 overall prospects—making the Pittsburgh Steelers' seventh-round selection at No. 230 (as initially covered) a potential draft steal. The versatile Pittsburgh native could carve a niche as a slot receiver, special teamer, and change-of-pace back amid competition from Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, Kaleb Johnson, and Travis Homer.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Navy running back and wide receiver Eli Heidenreich in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Pittsburgh native returns to his hometown team after a standout career at the Naval Academy. Heidenreich has already begun integrating with the roster during rookie minicamp.

NFL.com's Dan Parr selected Pittsburgh Steelers' third-round pick Gennings Dunker and seventh-round pick Eli Heidenreich among his favorite choices from the 2026 NFL Draft. The draft took place over three days in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers added 10 players amid some criticism. Parr praised both for their fit and potential contributions.

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New Pittsburgh Steelers coordinators shared their visions for key players and schemes during Friday's pre-draft media sessions at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham praised T.J. Watt and outlined a flexible defense, while offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio highlighted the tight end group. Special teams coordinator Danny Crossman expressed hope for draft help on returns.

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected return specialist Kaden Wetjen in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Draft analyst Emory Hunt believes the former Iowa player will earn all-pro honors as a rookie.

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Building on early analyst buzz, Pittsburgh Steelers' fourth-round Iowa returner Kaden Wetjen emerges as the rookie most likely to produce immediately, thanks to an open special teams role amid new NFL kickoff rules and limited roster competition.

 

 

 

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