Full Breakdown
Steelers Draft Navy’s Eli Heidenreich and Invite Teammate Alex Tecza to Rookie Minicamp
4/28/2026, 8:52:08 AM
Draft Selection and Minicamp Invitation
On Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers used the seventh-round, 230th-overall pick to select Navy Midshipman Eli Heidenreich. Two weeks later the team announced that Heidenreich’s former Navy teammate, fullback Alex Tecza, received an invitation to the Steelers’ rookie minicamp scheduled for May 8-10 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Pittsburgh’s South Side.
Background & Context
Heidenreich grew up in Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and starred at Mount Lebanon High School before enrolling at the United States Naval Academy. At Navy he logged 169 carries for 1,157 yards and seven rushing touchdowns, plus 109 receptions for 1,994 yards and 16 receiving touchdowns. He earned second-team All-AAC honors in 2025 and ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash. He will serve in the Marine Corps reserves while pursuing his NFL career.
Tecza also attended Mount Lebanon, where he and Heidenreich helped the school win the 2021 PIAA Class 6A championship. At Navy he amassed 2,236 rushing yards on 409 carries (5.5 avg) with 23 touchdowns and added 41 catches for 451 yards. At his Pro Day he measured 6-0, 199 lb, posted a 4.58-second 40-yard dash, a 34-inch vertical, a 9-9½-inch broad jump and 18 bench-press reps.
Key Figures & Groups
- Eli Heidenreich – drafted RB/WR, Navy alumnus, Pittsburgh native.
- Alex Tecza – invited fullback, former Navy teammate.
- Mike McCarthy – Steelers head coach, known for valuing the fullback position.
- Ramon Chinyoung – Steelers running backs coach.
- Pete Prisco – CBS Sports analyst.
- Brian Baldinger – NFL Network analyst.
- Tara & David Heidenreich – parents of Eli.
Data & Statistics
- Heidenreich: 169 carries, 1,157 yds, 7 TD; 109 receptions, 1,994 yds, 16 TD; 4.44 sec 40-yd dash.
- Tecza: 158 carries, 907 yds, 10 TD (2025); career 2,236 yds, 23 TD; 4.58 sec 40-yd dash, 34-in vertical.
- Draft: 7th-round, No. 230 overall (Heidenreich); 5th-round, No. 169 (fullback Riley Nowakowski).
- Minicamp: May 8-10, UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Why It Matters / Impact
The Steelers lost 2025 MVP running back Kenny Gainwell to free agency. Analysts view Heidenreich’s versatility—slot-receiver routes, rushing, and special-teams potential—as a possible replacement for Gainwell’s production. McCarthy’s “smash-mouth” offense also values a dynamic fullback, giving Tecza a realistic chance to earn a roster spot after adding bulk. The hometown selections have generated strong local fan enthusiasm and reinforce the Steelers’ tradition of integrating military-service players.
Official Statements & Responses
- Steelers staff emphasized that the fullback role will be “versatile” and used “often” under McCarthy’s scheme.
- Heidenreich’s parents described the draft moment as “very emotional” and highlighted his upcoming Marine Corps reserve duty.
- Analysts Prisco and Baldinger called Heidenreich a “big steal” and a potential “replacement” for Gainwell, noting his speed and play-making ability.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics note Heidenreich’s limited acceleration against NFL defenders and a lack of pass-protection experience, suggesting he may need to prove himself on special teams first. Tecza is considered undersized for a traditional fullback and must add weight to meet the position’s physical demands.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was a very emotional Saturday. All the feels,” — Tara Heidenreich, mother
- “When he hung up and said, 'I'm a Pittsburgh Steeler,' that moment is forever emblazoned on my heart,” — David Heidenreich, father
- “Coach is a smash mouth football guy,” — Ramon Chinyoung, Steelers running backs coach
- “I think Heidenreich might end up being a big steal for them,” — Pete Prisco, analyst
- “They lost Kenneth Gainwell. He was the MVP of the team. Could Eli Heidenreich play a similar type role,” — Brian Baldinger, NFL Network analyst
What’s Next
The invited players will attend the May 8-10 minicamp, after which the Steelers will evaluate them for the 2026 training camp roster. Heidenreich’s path to the active roster likely hinges on special-teams contributions, while Tecza must demonstrate added bulk and blocking consistency to secure a fullback slot. The outcomes will shape Pittsburgh’s backfield composition heading into the 2026 season.
