ピッツバーグ・スティーラーズのスペシャルチームコーディネーターを務めるダニー・クロスマン氏は、ドラフト7巡目指名のイーライ・ハイデンライヒが、今オフシーズンを通じて複数の役割でどのようにチャンスを得るかについて説明した。
海軍兵学校出身で多才な選手であるハイデンライヒは、大学時代に同校のレシービング記録を更新し、1,100ヤード以上のラッシングを記録した。スティーラーズのロースター53名枠に入るためには、地元出身の彼にはスペシャルチームでの貢献が求められる。彼はすでに3シーズンにわたり、パントリターナーやキック・パントのカバー要員として経験を積んでいる。
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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.
Former Navy position coach David Cole praised rookie Eli Heidenreich for his special teams potential with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The seventh-round pick must excel on special teams to secure a roster spot.
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Eli Heidenreich said the Pittsburgh Steelers stood out during the pre-draft process by involving both running back and wide receiver coaches in his interview.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are optimistic that fourth-round pick Kaden Wetjen will transition smoothly from college to the pros as a return specialist. Special teams coordinator Danny Crossman highlighted the differences between college and NFL rules during recent comments. Wetjen, a standout at Iowa, is expected to help improve the team's struggling return units.
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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.
Mike McCarthy has prioritized special teams during his early roster building with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The moves include new coaching hires and targeted player acquisitions before he has coached a single game.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers signed wide receiver Germie Bernard and running back Eli Heidenreich to four-year rookie contracts on Monday. The moves leave only third-round quarterback Drew Allar unsigned among the team's 2026 draft class.