steelers draft hometown navy rb eli heidenreich

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.

Heidenreich, a Mt. Lebanon High School graduate who led his team to a state title, set receiving records at Navy while becoming one of two players to record 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving. He credited a high school camp visit for securing his Navy scholarship and spoke of the family military tradition that includes his grandfather, a Navy lieutenant commander, and an uncle who served as a corpsman with the Marines.

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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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Pittsburgh Steelers seventh-round draft pick Eli Heidenreich brings exceptional hands and versatility to the NFL after starring at the Naval Academy. Navy coaches Drew Cronic and David Cole highlighted his ability to make contested catches as a standout trait. Heidenreich set Navy's all-time receiving record while also rushing for more than 1,100 yards.

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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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.

The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night in Pittsburgh with the first round, where the Pittsburgh Steelers hold the 21st overall pick and 12 total selections. Steelers general manager Omar Khan has shown willingness to trade up, amid interest in prospects like Penn State's Vega Ioane and USC's Makai Lemon. Broderick Jones' ongoing recovery from neck surgery adds urgency to bolstering the offensive line.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers traded up six spots in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard with the 47th overall pick. Pittsburgh sent picks No. 53, 135 and 237 to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for No. 47 and No. 249. Bernard adds versatility to the Steelers' revamped receiving corps.

 

 

 

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