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.
Heidenreich, a memorable local product walking the draft stage to hometown cheers, becomes just the second Navy player ever drafted by Pittsburgh. A 'football player first,' he told ESPN he's ready to 'catch passes, block my tail off,' and run the ball, having verbally committed to an undrafted free agent deal elsewhere before the call came.
Over 38 games at Navy, Heidenreich rushed 169 times for 1,157 yards and seven touchdowns, while catching 109 passes for 1,994 yards and 16 touchdowns—a program record. In 2025, he posted 77 carries for 499 yards and three scores, plus 51 receptions for 941 yards and six TDs, including the game-winner against Army. He ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and models his game after Christian McCaffrey, thriving in Navy's option attack on jet sweeps and as a slot receiver or backfield option.
Steelers coach Mike McCarthy praised the multi-position fit: 'His ability to play multiple positions... we’re gonna open up our playbook a little bit.' The team, which added wide receivers like Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen, eyes Heidenreich for the slot, backfield, or receiver room.
The pick addresses the loss of Gainwell, last season's team MVP with 537 rushing yards and 73 receptions for 486 yards. While Dowdle was signed as a replacement, Heidenreich's skill set mirrors Gainwell's versatile role. The Ringer's Danny Kelly called it Pittsburgh's most intriguing selection: 'There’s a world in which he ends up playing a Kenneth Gainwell–like role.'
Experts laud his athleticism, route-running, and hand strength but note limitations in acceleration and pass protection from his Wing-T roots. Draft outlets pegged him as fifth-to-seventh-round value and Bleacher Report ranked him 225th overall for mismatch potential. Not an immediate starter, he bolsters the passing game alongside Warren and Dowdle while contributing on third downs and special teams.
