New NFL Draft Invite Hints Steelers Are Eyeing Unusual Position In Later Rounds

The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to get creative when the 2026 NFL Draft begins. The event, which is set to be hosted in the Steel City, is occurring in a town that has been well-respected throughout the history of the game. General Manager Omar Khan will have plenty of options, but it's unlikely that he will use all of the franchise's 12 selections. It's nearly impossible for that amount of rookies to make a 53-man roster, so shuffling around and possibly moving up a few different times is certainly on the table. The team could also take a shot in the dark with a pick or two.

There will be a new offensive system in Pittsburgh, with Mike McCarthy implementing what he sees as best fit for the unit moving forward. The Steelers haven't had an offensive-minded head coach in a very very long time, so it will be fascinating to see if the group can put up points and be more consistent in the first year of his head-coaching regime.

One area that hasn't been talked about much, and rightfully so, is a position that McCarthy used religiously while with the Green Bay Packers. Avid football fans may remember John Kuhn, a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro. The fullback, who is originally from Pennsylvania, was a staple offensive piece for McCarthy from 2007 to 2015. He even played in nine games for the Steelers during his rookie season in 2006.

On Friday morning, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the most highly-touted fullback in the 2026 NFL Draft class is being invited to attend the festivities on Days 2 and 3, suggesting that someone, somewhere, wanted him to be present. Eli Heidenreich is from Pittsburgh, so the dots can be connected, particularly because the Steelers lost their versatile hybrid player in Connor Heyward to free agency.

"Navy RB Eli Heidenreich, who helped lead Mt. Lebanon High School in Pittsburgh to a state championship, was invited by the NFL to attend Day 2 and 3 of next week’s draft," Schefter wrote on X.

While the insider detailed Heidenreich as a running back, he projects to be more so a fullback and/or offensive chess piece. The Steelers have 12 picks, so why not try to find McCarthy's next Kuhn? Pittsburgh's new head coach is from the Steel City as well, and Heidenreich simply projects as someone who would fit right into the system almost immediately. Fans should really start to pay attention to this potential match.

According to an article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Heindenreich did a great job at his Pro Day, truly impressing the teams that were there to watch his workout.

"Heidenreich impressed scouts in attendance, and Navy said he recorded a vertical jump of 36 inches, a half inch higher than his NFL combine number in Indianapolis. He weighed in at 202 pounds, four pounds heavier than at the combine," Rob Joesbury wrote.

Interestingly enough, the Steelers did not end up attending his Pro Day, and didn't even host him for a visit, despite the fact that it would be considered as a local one. It could be possible that Pittsburgh knows what he is capable of and didn't want to tip off any other franchises about the interest in the Steel City. Regardless, the report from Schefter definitely means that a dream come true could be on the horizon if Khan and co. pull the trigger.

Steelers Could Use A Player With Heindenreich's Versatility

McCarthy has proven in the past that he can have success with someone that possesses the skillset of Heidenreich. Now that he has been invited to attend the NFL Draft in his hometown, the final cherry on top would be hearing his name called when the Steelers are on the clock. He was originally projected to go on the third day, but his potential presence on Day 2 should highlight that some organizations truly value his prospects.

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