Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Few storylines from the Steelers’ 2026 draft class were as memorable as seventh-round pick Eli Heidenreich.
The Pittsburgh native and Mount Lebanon graduate fulfilled a lifelong dream when the Steelers selected him after a standout career at Navy. Just four years removed from helping Mount Lebanon capture a PIAA Class 6A state championship, Heidenreich heard his hometown team call his name on draft weekend.
It’s one of the best stories in Pittsburgh’s rookie class, but feel-good stories don’t guarantee roster spots. Among the Steelers’ draft picks, Heidenreich may have one of the toughest paths to making the initial 53-man roster. His fit is unique because he never truly played a traditional position at Navy. The Midshipmen’s offense utilized him as a slotback, a hybrid role that blended responsibilities of both a running back and wide receiver. During OTAs, however, the Steelers had Heidenreich working with the running backs, giving an early indication of where they currently envision him fitting.
The challenge is that Pittsburgh’s running back room is already crowded. Jaylen Warren returns as one of the league’s better change-of-pace backs, while Rico Dowdle joined the Steelers after spending last season with the Carolina Panthers following four years under Mike McCarthy in Dallas. The Steelers also used a third-round pick on former Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson in last year’s draft, and despite a disappointing rookie season, he’ll likely be given every opportunity to earn a larger role in Year 2. Pittsburgh also brought back veteran Travis Homer in free agency this offseason, giving the Steelers no shortage of competition in the backfield.
Still, there is plenty of intrigue surrounding Heidenreich. His background as both a runner and receiver gives him a unique advantage in McCarthy’s offense, as the veteran head coach has long valued backs who can contribute in the passing game and line up in multiple spots. Whether it’s in the backfield, split out wide or on special teams, Heidenreich’s versatility could give him multiple paths to earning a roster spot throughout training camp and the preseason.
He’s also already building a strong relationship with new running backs coach Ramon Chinyoung Sr.
“I’ve absolutely loved working with him. Coach has been awesome. He’s extremely detailed, and I think his values align with mine, first off, and that’s extremely important. So far, I think he’s a fantastic coach, and I’m really excited to work with him over these next few months and hopefully moving forward.”
Making the initial 53-man roster certainly won’t be easy, but Heidenreich’s versatility gives him a legitimate opportunity to earn a spot if he continues to impress throughout training camp and the preseason.
22 • Eli Heidenreich, Running Back, Navy
5-foot-11, 210 pounds, 23 years old, 1st pro season
Acquired: The Steelers selected Heidenreich with the 226th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. A Pittsburgh native and Mount Lebanon graduate, Heidenreich became one of the feel-good stories of the Steelers’ draft class after finishing his collegiate career...
