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PITTSBURGH — During his media availability on Wednesday, Pittsburgh Steelers running backs coach Ramon Chinyoung raved about seventh-round pick Eli Heidenreich. Heidenreich, who finished his career as Navy’s all-time leader for receiving yards (1,994) and receiving touchdowns (16), is listed as a running back/wide receiver but he’s been in the running backs room exclusively.
“He’s been in my room every day. He’s a Swiss Navy knife, I told him to patent that,” Chinyoung said. “Great kid, does a great job of just meshing with the guys and relationships, but also taking the time to learn the scheme, identifying where he fits. He’s been awesome for us.”
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Eli Heidenreich marches into Navy-Marne Corps Memorial stadium for his graduation on May 22, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Heidenreich, a Mt. Lebanon native, brings a strong local connection to the Steelers organization and returns to the Pittsburgh area after a productive college career that showcased his reliability, toughness, and versatility as a receiver. His selection late in the draft was viewed internally as a value addition with upside as a depth option and special teams contributor.
At Mt. Lebanon High School, Heidenreich was a standout athlete while leading Mt. Lebanon to the 2021 class 6A State Championship in football, before developing into a dependable college running back known for his route running and sure hands. His return to Pittsburgh adds a strong hometown storyline to the Steelers’ 2026 draft class.
While expectations for seventh-round selections are typically centered around depth and special teams impact, the Steelers believe Heidenreich’s competitive edge and unique skill set give him a chance to exceed his draft position.
Heidenreich was a second-team All-American Athletic Conference wideout last season, leading the Midshipmen with 51 receptions. He also set a single-season program record with 941 receiving yards, while tying its mark with six touchdown grabs. He also rushed for 499 yards and three scores on 77 gives.
“Versatile and productive, Heidenreich possesses good size and toughness,” NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote in a scouting report. “Most of his run production came on jet sweeps from Navy’s option attack. … He was a strong tester, displaying the ability to take on a bigger chunk of route-running than he saw in college. He’s short-limbed with a limited catch radius, but he hangs on tight when it hits his hands.
“Teams will like the mentality and his special-teams potential.”
Alan Saunders and Brenden Howe provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
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