Eli Heidenreich

Heidenreich was selected 230th overall in the 7th round — the lowest tier of draft capital. Seventh-rounders from military academies historically make rosters as special teamers at best, and rarely carve out meaningful offensive roles in the NFL.

Navy's triple-option system is one of the worst NFL preparatory schemes — reads, blocking assignments, and skill development look nothing like a pro offense. The transition gap for Navy skill players is historically steep and multi-year.

Warren (3134), Dowdle (2964), and rookie Kaleb Johnson (2249) all rank well ahead of him for backfield touches, leaving no clear path to offensive volume.

As a 7th-round hybrid with a crowded RB room, Heidenreich is a serious roster bubble candidate. His most likely path to a 53-man spot runs through special teams, not offensive production.

Heidenreich's rare RB/WR dual-skill set — he holds Navy's all-time records in receiving yards (1,994) and receiving TDs (16) — gives him a gadget/mismatch ceiling if a creative offensive staff finds a niche for him.

Special teams ace is the most realistic entry point; if he earns that role, he buys time to develop and showcase his pass-catching in situational packages, similar to the trajectory of other hybrid service-academy players.

Young RB (22) — peak value years ahead