Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 NFL Draft grades: RB Eli Heidenreich

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 27: Eli Heidenreich #22 of the Navy Midshipmen carries the ball during the second half against the Memphis Tigers at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on November 27, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) | Getty Images Mike Nicastro : This pick is much more than just a feel good story. It’s not a hand out.

Heidenreich is a better prospect than the Steelers fourth round pick, Wetjen, and I candidly thought he’d been long gone by now. He holds the most receiving yards and receiving TDS in Navy history – and can play both wideout and running back. Of course he’ll play a factor on special teams as well.

If I were a betting man, I would bet on this guy finding a way to make the team – because that’s just what he’s always done. Grade: A++ Ryland Bickley : Look, the Christian McCaffrey comparisons are always going to be rich, but there’s no denying the upside of Eli Heidenreich. He’s uber athletic and managed over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in 2025 — including 971 receiving yards in Navy’s offense !

Seventh-round picks, especially in this year’s thin draft, are essentially priority undrafted free agents, and Heidenreich is the type of guy you want to bring into camp as a dart throw. He’s a weapon, and you can figure out his place in an NFL offense now that he’s on the roster. – Grade: A Joey Bray : What an exclamation point for the Steelers to end their selections in their city.