Navy Midshipmen Landon Robinson, Eli Heidenreich selected in 7th round of 2026 NFL Draft

Landon Robinson was one of two Navy Midshipmen selected in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

(Patrick Smith via Getty Images)

The United States Naval Academy was well represented in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday with defensive tackle Landon Robinson and running back Eli Heidenreich from the Midshipmen each being selected by AFC North teams.

First, Robinson went to the Cincinnati Bengals with the No. 226 selection, which is dedicated to the late Pat Tillman. The pick was announced by Margo Darragh, who’s studying at Yale Law School as a Tillman Scholar, endowed through the Pat Tillman Foundation which was established by Tillman’s family and friends.

Tillman was drafted No. 226 in the 1998 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals and played four seasons before enlisting in the U.S. Army. Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft was held three days after the 22nd anniversary of Tillman’s death during battle in Afghanistan.

Accompanying Darragh on stage in Pittsburgh was Tillman’s former teammate Zack Walz and artist Cody Sabol, who painted a portrait of Tillman that will be auctioned off for charity.

Robinson was a three-year starter for Navy. As a senior last season, Robinson totaled 6.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery and 64 combined tackles. That earned him American Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors and first-team All-American status.

Eli Heidenreich selected by Steelers in front of Pittsburgh crowd