ピッツバーグ・スティーラーズは、2026年NFLドラフトの7巡目で、海軍士官学校のランニングバック兼ワイドレシーバーであるイーライ・ハイデンライヒを指名した。ピッツバーグ出身のハイデンライヒは、海軍士官学校での目覚ましい活躍を経て、故郷のチームに戻ることになる。彼はすでにルーキーミニキャンプに参加し、チームへの合流を開始している。
マウント・レバノン高校の卒業生で、チームを州王者に導いたハイデンライヒは、海軍士官学校でレシービング記録を塗り替え、史上2人目となるランとレシーブの両方で1,000ヤードを達成した選手となった。彼は海軍士官学校の奨学金を得られたのは高校時代のキャンプへの参加がきっかけだったと語り、海軍少佐を務めた祖父や海兵隊の衛生兵として従軍した叔父など、家族に受け継がれる軍の伝統についても言及した。
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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 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.
Steelers Depot has released detailed scouting reports on six college football players projected for the 2026 NFL Draft, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and potential roles. The profiles cover prospects from various positions and teams, providing insights into their athletic profiles and career statistics. These reports aim to guide NFL teams in evaluating talent ahead of the draft.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers targeted their special teams weaknesses during the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting players to bolster returns and core contributions. This move addresses losses from free agency and a coaching change. The team added dynamic return specialist Kaden Wetjen and versatile fullback Riley Nowakowski.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will host Toledo standout safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren for a pre-draft visit on Thursday, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. McNeil-Warren, a likely first-round pick, has recently visited the Dolphins, Patriots, Browns, Cowboys and Falcons. He ranks as a top-three safety prospect in a deep class.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted fullback Riley Nowakowski from Indiana in the fifth round, pick 169, of the 2026 NFL Draft. The team traded down to acquire the versatile player, who is expected to serve primarily as a fullback with roles on offense and special teams. Running backs coach Ramon Chinyoung expressed excitement about working with him as a lead blocker.