Why Steelers' Eli Heidenreich is perfect pick of entire 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Pittsburgh native is the Steelers' newest draft pick.
He had to wait around a while in Pittsburgh on Saturday, not getting picked until the 230th pick in the seventh round. But it was worth it.
Heidenreich won a state championship with Mt. Lebanon in the Pittsburgh area.
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After starring for the Naval Academy, he has joined the Steelers, his childhood favorite. He walked out onto the stage with a Terrible Towel, even. He was ready.
In Navy's throwback offense, Heidenreich did a bit of everything.
In 2025, he ran 77 times for 499 yards (6.5 yards per carry) in 2025 and also set Navy records by catching 51 passes for 941 yards. He scored nine offensive touchdowns.
Heidenreich ran the 40-yard dash in an impressive 4.44 seconds.
He measured up at 6-feet tall and 198 pounds. He also did the vertical jump at 35.5 inches.
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Everything about Heidenreich is amazing for this moment.
Whether he'll be a RB or a WR is still to be determined.
But he's meant to be a Steeler. It's a perfect pick by Pittsburgh.
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