The Pittsburgh Steelers had perhaps the moment of last month’s NFL Draft when they selected Navy running back Eli Heidenreich in the seventh round. An All-American at the Naval Academy and a Pittsburgh-area native, Heidenreich could certainly be one to watch during training camp for new head coach Mike McCarthy and Co.
However, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly believes fans need to take a step back in believing that he could be an immediate impact player. In fact, he believes that Heidenreich doesn’t necessarily fit what McCarthy wants to do on the offensive side of the football.
Eli Heidenreich Could Make an Impact for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2027
GettyRB Eli Heidenreich was selected with the 230th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Here is what Kaboly had to say about Heidenreich possibly fitting into the Steelers’ offense in 2026:
“I think we have to slow our roll a little bit with Heidenreich. He was a great player at Navy and even a better story getting drafted by his hometown Steelers, but everything Mike McCarthy has alluded to since he was hired has been a power run game being critical to his success. Heidenreich doesn’t fit that mold.”
Kaboly hits the nail on the head right here. Of course, Heidenreich is a great story and should be supported by all Steelers fans in his quest to try and make the team. But the Steelers already have a pair of productive, bruising running backs in Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle at their disposal. Both eclipsed 1,000 scrimmage yards in 2025. Even if Heidenreich were to make the team after training camp, he likely wouldn’t be able to make an immediate impact this season.
Eli Heidenreich Gives Off Christian McCaffrey Vibes
GettyEli Heidenreich recorded over 3,100 scrimmage yards during his career at the Naval Academy.
During his career at Navy, Heidenreich proved that he can be more than just another late-round NFL Draft choice. In 2024, he recorded over 1,100 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns. In 2025, he notched over 1,400 scrimmage yards. What is so interesting about him is his ability to affect the game in multiple ways, as evidenced by his college numbers.
One NFL player that he is very similar to is none other than San Francisco 49ers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey. Very few players can affect the game as he can. The former NFL Offensive Player of the Year has already recorded nearly 13,000 career scrimmage yards and hasn’t even turned 30 years of age yet. During the 2019 season, he recorded over 1,300 rushing yards and over 1,000 receiving yards for the Carolina Panthers when he was there.
It is a little premature to say that Heidenreich could become that, seeing as he was literally just drafted. But his tape does not lie at all. If he ends up becoming the Swiss army knife that he was at the Naval Academy, the rest of the NFL may want to look out. This is especially true if McCarthy can find him some snaps in the offense, should he make the team.
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