NFL Draft: Steelers select running back with Christian McCaffrey comp

TL;DR

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Navy running back Eli Heidenreich with the 230th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Heidenreich, compared to Christian McCaffrey, is known for his versatility as a rusher and pass catcher.

Key points

Pittsburgh Steelers selected Eli Heidenreich in the 2026 NFL Draft
Heidenreich is compared to Christian McCaffrey
He set a Navy record with 941 receiving yards in 2025
He brings versatility as a rusher and pass catcher
He joins a running back room with Jaylen Warren and others

Pittsburgh SteelersSan Francisco 49ersEli HeidenreichChristian McCaffrey

The Pittsburgh Steelers have done the unthinkable to close out their seventh-round draft picks on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft — selecting a talented, playmaking running back who has been compared to San Francisco 49ers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey.

With the 230th overall pick in the draft, the Steelers selected Navy running back Eli Heidenreich, an excellent finish to what has been a strong Day 3 haul.

Heidenreich, a Pittsburgh-native who set a Navy school record for the most receiving yards in a single season (941 in 2025), possesses an elite skill set as both a rusher and a pass catcher, as well as possessing outstanding traits as a blocker.

With positional versatility that any offensive coordinator could only dream of, Heidenreich now joins a Steelers running back room featuring Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, and Kaleb Johnson.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers select Navy RB Eli Heidenreich in seventh round of NFL Draft

Q&A

Who is Eli Heidenreich and what are his achievements?

Eli Heidenreich is a Navy running back who set a school record with 941 receiving yards in a single season and is known for his versatility and playmaking ability.

What does Eli Heidenreich's selection mean for the Steelers' running back lineup?

Heidenreich's selection adds depth and versatility to the Steelers' running back room, which already includes Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, and Kaleb Johnson.