In a historic 2026 NFL Draft, hometown hero Eli Heidenreich, a Navy RB/WR, was selected 230th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Head coach Mike McCarthy is poised to leverage Heidenreich’s dual-threat capabilities, drawing comparisons to former players like Randall Cobb and Ty Montgomery. McCarthy emphasized the team's intention to expand the playbook to maximize Heidenreich’s versatility, mirroring how he previously utilized Cobb and Montgomery in Green Bay. The Steelers' coaching staff believes Heidenreich can navigate the transition from Navy's offense to the NFL effectively, despite potential challenges.

By the Numbers
  • Heidenreich recorded 1,583 offensive snaps at Navy, with 700 in the backfield and 335 as a slot receiver.
  • During his tenure in Green Bay, Ty Montgomery achieved 2,500 all-purpose yards, with 849 rushing yards and 827 receiving yards.
State of Play
  • Heidenreich is officially listed as a running back, despite his varied college position roles.
  • McCarthy's experience with multi-faceted players positions Heidenreich for success in Pittsburgh.
What's Next

Heidenreich will commence training camp, where he must adapt to the Steelers' pro-style offense while positioning himself for diverse roles both in the backfield and as a receiver. His success will hinge on his ability to impress the coaching staff and carve out a consistent role in the lineup.

Bottom Line

Heidenreich’s unique skill set and McCarthy's track record with similar players suggest he could become a valuable asset for the Steelers, enhancing their offensive dynamics as a versatile contributor.