When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Eli Heidenreich in the 7th round of the 2026 NFL Draft, many viewed it as a feel-good story. The Mt. Lebanon native was able to get drafted by his hometown team, walk the stage in front of the stadium he grew up idolizing, and earn his place in the NFL.

But for those unfamiliar with Heidenreich’s game, it became very clear that he has a skillset that the Steelers are now missing following the departure of Kenny Gainwell, and he’s already showing that in limited reps.

Mike McCarthy was impressed with Eli Heidenreich at Steelers minicamp

Eli’s a natural football player. He’s very instinctive, has an excellent skill set. He’s picked up the offense. His position flexibility has been fun. He’s had a tremendous start. I’m very impressed with him.”

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Heidenreich is best labeled as a slotback. He can work as a change-of-pace player out of the backfield, but he can also run a gamut of routes when you flex him out to the perimeter. He had to do it all at Navy, and that sort of skill set will propel him forward in his NFL career. But if you ask him what his actual position is, he has a clear answer.

Eli Heidenreich wants to play RB

“That was my first position,” Heidenreich told Chris Adamski at Steelers minicamp. “I would say absolutely. I was a running back to start my football career. Kind of pivoted more toward receiver in high school, and I guess you could say in college, I felt like I did both. [Running back is my] first position, so I would say yes.”

For Heidenreich, versatility will be the spice of life in his NFL journey. If he can prove to be productive at both wide receiver and running back during training camp, I won’t be surprised if he makes the final 53-man roster.