Overview
- The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Eli Heidenreich with the 230th pick in the seventh round on Saturday, closing their hometown draft with a local Mt. Lebanon product.
- Heidenreich walked on stage in his Naval Academy dress uniform, saluted, and soaked in a roaring ovation, calling it the greatest moment of his life.
- Under a National Defense Authorization Act pathway, the service-academy graduate can sign a service contract that defers active duty so he can join the Steelers after his May graduation.
- A record-setting playmaker at Navy, he logged 1,994 receiving yards, 1,157 rushing yards, and 23 total touchdowns, with analysts projecting roles at running back, slot, and special teams as his fit is sorted in camp.
- Navy had two players drafted for the first time since 1956, with defensive tackle Landon Robinson going 226th before Heidenreich four picks later.