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Steelers Pick Navy Star Eli Heidenreich, 7th-Round Steal

4/28/2026

Summary

Heidenreich Drafted

Steelers selected Eli Heidenreich with the 230th pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 25, 2026.
Heidenreich logged 1,157 rushing yards with seven touchdowns and 1,994 receiving yards with 16 touchdowns in 38 games at Navy.
Analysts call him a “big steal” who could replace Kenny Gainwell and, should he make the roster, will serve as a reserve Marine officer while playing special teams, receiver and returner.

Summary

Tecza Earns Invite

Alex Tecza, a Navy running back, earned a Steelers rookie-minicamp invitation.
The minicamp will run May 8-10 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on South Side.
Tecza left Navy with 2,236 rushing yards, 23 touchdowns and second-team All-AAC honors in 2025.
Tecza measured 5-10½ inches, 199 pounds, ran a 4.58-second 40-yard dash and completed 18 bench reps.
Coach Mike McCarthy compared Tecza’s blocking to Vikings fullback C.J. Ham and said he must add bulk.

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Heidenreich Drafted

Steelers selected Eli Heidenreich with the 230th pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 25, 2026.
Heidenreich logged 1,157 rushing yards with seven touchdowns and 1,994 receiving yards with 16 touchdowns in 38 games at Navy.
Analysts call him a “big steal” who could replace Kenny Gainwell and, should he make the roster, will serve as a reserve Marine officer while playing special teams, receiver and returner.

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