2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Navy’s Running Back Eli Heidenreich

Navy running back Eli Heidenreich has steadily emerged as one of the most intriguing service-academy prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft conversation, carving out a reputation built on toughness, discipline, and consistent production. Operating in Navy’s demanding offensive system, Heidenreich has become a trusted offensive weapon and a tone-setter for the Midshipmen. While his path to the NFL may be less conventional than those from Power Five programs, his skill set and mental makeup have placed him firmly on the radar of NFL evaluators.

Heidenreich has been a multi-year contributor in Annapolis, earning meaningful carries early in his career before growing into a featured role in the backfield. Playing in an offense that emphasizes precision, timing, and ball security, he has shown the ability to handle responsibility and execute at a high level. His experience in Navy’s scheme has sharpened his vision and decisiveness, as reads must be made quickly and mistakes are rarely forgiven.

Physically, Heidenreich brings a compact, well-built frame to the running back position. He runs with excellent pad level and balance, allowing him to absorb contact and continue driving forward. While he may not possess elite breakaway speed, his burst through the line of scrimmage and ability to maximize available yardage make him an efficient and dependable runner. He consistently falls forward, turning modest gains into positive plays.

As a runner, Heidenreich thrives on decisiveness and toughness. He presses the line of scrimmage patiently, waits for blocks to develop, and commits downhill with conviction. His vision stands out, particularly between the tackles, where he finds creases and attacks them without hesitation. Against stacked boxes and physical defensive fronts, he has proven willing and capable of carrying the workload and wearing down defenses over the course of a game.

Heidenreich also shows functional value as a receiver and pass protector. While Navy’s offensive structure limits traditional receiving opportunities, he has demonstrated reliable hands when called upon and transitions smoothly from catch to runner. In pass protection, he plays with awareness and toughness, stepping into blitzers and executing assignments with discipline. Those traits enhance his projection as a potential third-down contributor at the next level.

One of Heidenreich’s most appealing attributes is his mental makeup. The discipline, preparation, and leadership required in a service academy environment are evident in his approach to the game. Coaches trust him in high-leverage situations, and his consistency snap to snap reflects a player who understands situational football and values execution.

Strengths

Vision and Decisiveness

Quickly identifies running lanes and commits downhill with authority.

Contact Balance

Runs with low pad level and consistently finishes forward through contact.

Toughness and Durability

Handles physical workloads and thrives in between-the-tackles situations.

Football Discipline

Executes assignments with precision and limits negative plays.

Pass Protection Willingness

Shows toughness and awareness when picking up blitzes.

Weaknesses

Top-End Speed

Lacks elite long speed to consistently outrun defenders in the open field.

Explosiveness Ceiling

More efficient than flashy; not a frequent home-run threat.

Receiving Sample Size

Limited exposure as a pass catcher due to offensive system.

Transition to Pro Scheme

Will require adjustment from Navy’s system to an NFL offense.

Conclusion

Eli Heidenreich projects as a high-floor running back prospect whose value lies in toughness, vision, and reliability. His experience in a disciplined, execution-heavy system has prepared him well for the mental demands of the professional game, and his consistent production against physical competition underscores his readiness.

Draft Nation currently views Heidenreich as a Day 3 prospect. In the right NFL environment, he has the tools to carve out a role as a dependable rotational back and special teams contributor as a player who does the small things right and earns trust through consistency.