While it would be rich to say that the Steelers saved their best pick for last in the 2026 NFL Draft, when analyzing the entirety of the 10-player class and especially what happened on Day 3, it’s not far off. 

So while you may typically think the most underrated player in a class would come in the mid rounds, that’s probably not the case here in Pittsburgh. 

Eli Heidenreich is Steelers’ most underrated pick 

The final pick in the Steelers ‘ 2026 class was Navy running back/wide receiver Eli Heidenreich. Sure, that story was one of the best of draft weekend. To see him walk down the hallway and to the draft stage after being announced as the Steelers pick was cool to in itself. 

But when you see the emotions, it’s on another level. In his full Navy uniform, just minutes away from his hometown of Mt. Lebanon, the Steelers allowed him to realize his dream. But there’s more to Heidenreich than his story. 

At Navy, he was a Swiss Army Knife on offense. His true position name should be slot back, but he can play as a change-of-pace running back; then flex out and run routes like a WR.

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Why Eli Heidenreich is a Kenny Gainwell replacement

He went to the NFL Combine and ran in the 4.4s, jumped over 35 inches in the vertical leap, and over 10 feet in the broad. At 6-0 and 200 pounds, he’s the kind of weapon who can replace what the Steelers lost in Kenny Gainwell. A back who can make plays in a zone scheme, but also work as a viable pass catcher from the backfield. 

That’s what Kenny Gainwell was for the Steelers, evidenced by him being the second leading receiver on the team in 2025. So sure, he was the last pick in the Steelers draft, and yes, he’s a great story, but he could be a true player in Pittsburgh. 

Punt returns, kick returns, tosses, and HB angle routes, he’s a piece to an offensive puzzle, and I believe he can help the Steelers solve their offense issues.