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。
AIによるレポート AIによって生成された画像
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.
AIによるレポート
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.
AIによるレポート
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.
AIによるレポート
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.