Eli Heidenreich was one of the most electric playmakers Navy has seen in a while.
Playing at snipe for the Midshipmen, Heidenreich became the second FBS player since 1956 to rush for at least 475 yards and add 925 yards through the air in the same season. He owns the school records for career receiving touchdowns (16), receiving yards (1,994), single-season receiving yards (941), and single-game receiving yards (243) while tying the records for single-game touchdown receptions (three). He’s also second in Navy history in career receptions (109) and fifth for single-season receptions (51).
He has the size and speed to play just about anywhere.
Where Did Eli Heidenreich Go In The NFL Draft?
Heidenreich went to the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 230th overall pick, in the seventh round, of the NFL Draft.
Eli Heidenreich’s 40 Time & NFL Combine Results
Heidenreich ran the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds, which ranked fifth out of 10 running backs who participated in that drill at the NFL Combine. He also recorded a broad jump of 10 feet, which was eighth among 14 RBs, and a vertical jump of 35.5 inches, which was sixth among 10 at his position group. He bench pressed 16 reps, which tied for sixth among seven running backs.
Heidenreich was measured at 6-foot, 198 pounds at the NFL Combine.
Eli Heidenreich Stats & Highlights
Heidenreich was a third-team HERO Sports Group of Five All-American wide receiver in 2025. There wasn’t much he couldn’t do with the ball in his hands.
In 2025, Heidenreich rushed for 499 yards and three TDs on 77 carries while catching 51 passes for 941 yards and six TDs. He added 39 receptions for 671 yards and six scores with 444 yards and three TDs on 65 carries in 2024.
In three years at Navy, Heidenreich recorded 1,157 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 6.8 yards per carry, while adding 1,994 yards and 16 touchdowns on 109 receptions.
Where Is Eli Heidenreich From?
Heidenreich is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He went to Mt. Lebanon High School.
Eli Heidenreich NFL Draft Profile & Comparison
It’s difficult not to compare Heidenreich to Christian McCaffrey, and I’m not the first person that’s thought that. I was also reminded of Darren Sproles while watching Heidenreich’s tape.
Heidenreich already has above-average expertise when it comes to route running compared to other running backs. Because he was utilized as a receiver so often, he knows how to find open space in defenses.
Heidenreich is physical, which isn’t surprising for a running back from Navy. He doesn’t go down easily. He keeps his feet moving after contact but can also make defenders miss in close spaces.
He also has the speed to gain yardage on perimeter runs, as evidenced by his solid 40 time. He uses that quickness well. He understands how to create leverage and use blockers to his advantage in the open field.
Is he an everydown, workhorse running back? I’m not sure, mostly because he didn’t really need to be at Navy. But I also don’t think that would be the best role for him, either.
Draw up unique players designed for him, both on the ground and through the air, and watch him thrive.
