Steelers Draft Eli Heidenreich: New Folks Hero?

0:00On April 28th, the Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up their 2026 NFL draft by snagging Navy running back and receiver Eli Hydenreich in the 7th round, this man's 7th round. Lebanon kid is the midshipman's all-time top pass catcher, bringing that local flavor and military grit to the Steel City. Hydenreich balled out last season as a second team all-American athletic conference wideout. He led Navy with 51 catches for 941 yards, a single season program record, plus six touchdowns. Oh, and he rushed for 499 yards and three scores on 77 carries. X Steeler Willie Colon lit up on Good Morning Football, calling this pick bigger than a hometown tale. He straight-compared Hydenreich to Rocky Blair, the ultimate comeback story. Blair got taken in the 16th round back in 1968, then served in Vietnam, got wounded, earned a bronze star and purple heart. He rehabbed, joined the Steelers in the 70s, ran for 3,855 yards alongside Frankl Harris and snagged four Super Bowls.

1:07Colon seized that same resilience in Hydenreich, and if he channels even half of Blair's fire, Pittsburgh fans could have a new folk hero ready to grind. Keep an eye on this one as training camp heats up.