Eli Heidenreich
Pittsburgh SteelersOur College Grade
How good he was in college at what his position is supposed to do, out of 100. Scored against everyone else at his position, adjusted for the level he played at. This is not his NFL grade.
College Production
Navy · American Athletic
| Season | G | Rec | RecYds | Pos Rk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8 | 18 | 314 | |
| 2024 | 12 | 38 | 597 | |
| 2025 | 13 | 51 | 960 | 31 |
The seasons in our college data. It does not always reach back to a player's first year.
Scouting Report
Navy · 2026 draft class
Eli Heidenreich is a versatile dual-threat weapon out of Navy who handled the snipe role in the Midshipmen Wing-T offense. At 5-11 and 197 pounds, Heidenreich projects as a running back at the NFL level but one who can line up all over the formation and catch the football as a dynamic weapon. He set Navy program record for most career receiving touchdowns with 16, surpassing the record of 13 held by Phil McConkey. In his senior season he posted 77 carries for 499 yards and three touchdowns along with 51 receptions for 941 yards and six touchdowns, earning Second-Team All-AAC honors as a wide receiver. His career totals include 169 carries for 1157 yards and seven touchdowns with 109 receptions for 1994 yards and 16 touchdowns across 38 games. He caught the game-winning touchdown against Army in the Army-Navy Game in 2025. Heidenreich had a tremendous week at the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl working primarily as a running back while showcasing great hands in one-on-one drills. He is a tough and willing blocker who plays behind his pads well. Steelers Depot graded him at 7.4 (Spot Starter) and projects him as an early Day 3 selection.
Strengths
- Versatile explosive weapon at running back and wide receiver
- Good hands and body control as a receiver with consistency catching through contact
- Tough willing blocker unafraid to be the lead blocker
- Good vision and feel in space with quick-twitch ability
- Tracks the ball well down the field
- Tough durable runner who falls forward consistently
- Good vision on inside runs in zone scheme
- Explosive agility in tight quarters
Concerns
- Lacks true wiggle in open field and does not make many defenders miss one-on-one
- Limited route tree mostly slants screens quick outs and posts
- Questions about transition from Wing-T offense to NFL scheme
- Many manufactured touches to get on the perimeter
- Rarely asked to deliver in pass protection
- Lacks elite long speed
Honors
Second-Team All-AAC WR (2025); Navy career receiving TD record; 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl; 2026 NFL Combine Invite