Steelers Draft Eli Heidenreich – Former High School Champion For Pittsburgh Suburb

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted running back Eli Heidenreich in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. 

Heidenreich is from Mount Lebanon, a suburb of Pittsburgh. He played four years with Navy before declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.

During his senior season at Mount Lebanon High School, he had 1,325 yards and 28 touchdowns to lead the team to a state championship. This was the last time a Class 6A public school won the state championship. 

After his senior season, he committed to Navy. He followed in the footsteps of his grandfather and uncle. 

Heidenreich did not play in his freshman season. He played his first college football game on Aug. 26, 2023, against Notre Dame. He had three rushes for 12 yards.

Through his college career, he was considered a two-way back. He was able to receive just as well as he could run. In his senior season, he had 941 receiving yards. 

He was known for getting lots of yards after the catch. In his senior season, he had 18.5 yards per reception, the most in college football in 2025.  

Heidenreich received an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine. Before the combine, he was considered to be a prospect on the outside looking in. However, after putting up 4.44 seconds on the 40-yard dash, 35.5 inches on the vertical leap and a 10-foot broad jump, he rose on many mock draft boards.

The Steelers liked what they saw from Heidenreich. Currently, Jaylen Warren is the Steelers’ starter. He had 958 yards in 16 games last season. He is in the first year of a two-year, $12 million extension.

Heidenreich has not yet signed his rookie contract. It’s unclear whether he’ll be sent to the practice squad or will be given a chance to compete for a roster spot.