Popular Steelers Rookie “Destined For The Practice Squad" Despite Fan Excitement

The Pittsburgh Steelers were one of the more active teams during the 2026 NFL Draft, which took place in the Steel City. The franchise initially had 12 overall selections and ended up taking 10 rookies. It will be very hard for the entire group to make the 53-man roster come late August; however, the front office was able to find some value in the later rounds. The coaching staff will have some tough decisions to make if certain players impress throughout offseason workouts and into training camp. It's not likely that all will find themselves wearing Black and Gold come September.

General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike McCarthy clearly believed that the 10 incoming rookies could potentially help the organization in 2026. That doesn't necessarily mean that each player will prove himself in the coming months. Oftentimes, individuals taken on one of the first two days of the big event are safe, even if their summer does not go as planned. Day 3 selections, though, are a different story.

The Steelers picked five guys on the final day of the NFL Draft, immediately putting pressure on those prospects to perform. Special teams will be one way to make the roster, but there will be other avenues if any of them can find a certain niche on either offense or defense. This is where McCarthy can eventually get creative with someone.

One of the better stories that ended up coming to fruition was Navy offensive weapon Eli Heidenreich being scooped up by the Steelers in the seventh round. Beat writer Mark Kaboly noted that the playmaker isn't necessarily the most physically imposing player, but he might have what it takes.

"Seventh-round pick Eli Heidenreich, a Navy graduate out of nearby Mt. Lebanon, might not be the biggest, strongest, and most talented player on the 90-man roster, but the jack-of-all-trades skill set that got him drafted will be tested over the next couple of months," Kaboly wrote.

Despite this, Heidenreich has been compared — in a very lax manner — to Christian McCaffrey by Kaboly. That doesn't mean, however, that it will be smooth sailing from here on out.

"Heidenreich has a long way to make the 53-man roster, and [he] is more likely destined for the practice squad, but he will get every opportunity to find a role," Kaboly noted. "The problem is that he’s going to have to find multiple roles, as well as being a core special teamer, and that might be too much to expect out of Heidenreich, at least for his rookie year."

Seventh-round selections do not have very easy paths to landing on rosters immediately. This is what could make things complicated for the Steelers. If cut in August, any other team can sign Heidenreich to its 53-man roster. Pittsburgh may have the advantage in that scenario because of the rookie's hometown roots, especially if a handshake deal is in place to promote him from the practice squad almost right away.

There will be a lot of attention on Heidenreich moving forward. He might have the ability to be a legitimate weapon for the offense, but he was a seventh-round selection for a reason.

The Steelers could use a do-it-all type of playmaker; however, the rookie will need to earn his place moving forward. His NFL journey may have to begin on the practice squad in Pittsburgh prior to working his way up. That is, if he impresses McCarthy and Co. enough.

Steelers Having A Secret Weapon In Heidenreich Would Be Ideal

Pittsburgh has done what it can dating back to January to make the offense more dynamic. The pieces are in place, but it would be nice to have an unexpected surprise that comes in and showcases elite skills. The seventh-rounder could be the answer the Steelers have been looking for; although the team might not see results immediately, especially if he is cut and re-signed to the practice squad at a later date. 

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