The Pittsburgh Steelers have drafted very well over the past several decades. It’s how they build six Super Bowl championship teams. Yet, the club drafting Navy running back Eli Heidenreich in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft still stands out.
Steelers president Art Rooney II argued that’s the case in his latest media appearance.
While talking on NFL Network on Wednesday night, Rooney gave the Heidenreich pick a bold superlative.
“The reception he got there in the seventh round was, probably, the greatest seventh-round pick we’ve ever made, for sure,” said Rooney on NFL Network’s The Insiders. “Omar [Khan] and I did talk about it a couple days before [the draft].
“We just said, ‘Look, if the opportunity is there in the seventh round, and Eli [Heidenreich] hasn’t been picked yet, we’re gonna take a hard look at taking him.’ So, glad it worked out the way it did, and we’re excited to have him.”
The title of “greatest seventh-round pick” in Steelers history probably previously belonged to defensive end Brett Keisel. The team landed Keisel at No. 242 overall in the 2002 NFL Draft.
Keisel appeared in 156 games, making 114 starts, over 12 seasons for the Steelers. He was a member of the franchise’s three most recent AFC championship rosters and won two Super Bowls. Keisel also made the Pro Bowl in 2010.
In 2012, the Steelers selected former starting offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum in the seventh round.
At running back, the team landed Dick Hoak in the seventh round of the 1961 NFL Draft. But with fewer teams in that era, Hoak was the No. 90 overall selection.
Hoak played 10 years for the Steelers, making the 1968 Pro Bowl. Hoak went on to become a 5-time Super Bowl champion as Steelers running backs coach.
Steelers Grabbed RB Eli Heidenreich in Seventh Round of 2026 NFL Draft
There was a lot to love about the Steelers selecting Heidenreich late on Day 3.
The running back played college football at Navy. As a United States service member, he’s already a hero.
Heidenreich also played high school football at Mt. Lebanon High School, which is a well-known high school program less than 10 miles from downtown Pittsburgh.
Heidenreich wasn’t guaranteed to be drafted. He revealed during an interview on ESPN that he had already committed to sign with another NFL team in undrafted free agency when the Steelers selected him.
So, any team picking Heidenreich would have led to the back being emotional. His hometown team selecting him with the draft held in Pittsburgh for the first time in nearly 80 years made the moment even more special.
Where Heidenreich Could Fit in Steelers Offense
From a PR perspective, there’s little doubt Heidenreich is the best seventh-rounder in Steelers history. But he will have to earn a roster spot and become a quality player to earn that title on the field.
The Navy running back faces long odds of becoming an every-down back with the Steelers. The team already has running backs Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle and Kaleb Johnson on the roster.
But Heidenreich’s versatility could lead to him having a unique role in Pittsburgh’s offense. First-year head coach Mike McCarthy implied that after Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
“We talk about how many downs a player plays,” said McCarthy on Saturday. “Does he play all four downs, his ability to play multiple positions?
“I think Eli definitely brings that to the table.
“I met with [Brian] Angelichio briefly earlier; I think we’re going to open up the playbook a little bit.”
The Steelers could use more production at slot receiver. That’s where Heidenreich might be able to contribute immediately for Pittsburgh’s offense.
Heidenreich averaged 18.3 yards per reception in three seasons at Navy. Last year, he posted 499 rushing yards and 941 receiving yards with nine total touchdowns.
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