Eli Heidenreich Draft Grade | Round 7, Pick 14 | FanVerdicts

C-

Below averagePick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Reach

Position

RB · Discount Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #246 · Day 3 Sleeper

Eli Heidenreich emerged as Navy's workhorse back over three productive seasons, embodying the triple-option system's physicality while showcasing surprising pass-catching ability. The 5-10, 210-pound back totaled over 3,800 rushing yards in his career, developing into one of the AAC's most reliable ground threats. His compact frame and low center of gravity make him a natural fit between the tackles, though questions persist about his ability to create explosive plays at the NFL level. Heidenreich's football IQ and special teams prowess give him late-round appeal as a potential roster contributor.

Strengths

+Exceptional ball security with only three fumbles in 847 career carries, demonstrating elite protection skills crucial for NFL success.

+Runs with excellent pad level and body lean, consistently falling forward for extra yardage while absorbing contact through his frame.

+Shows natural hands as a receiver with 89 career receptions, displaying reliable catching ability on checkdowns and screens.

+Possesses strong football IQ from operating in Navy's complex triple-option system, reading defensive reactions and making quick decisions.

+Demonstrates excellent short-area quickness and lateral agility, allowing him to navigate traffic in confined spaces effectively.

+Exhibits surprising power for his size, breaking through arm tackles and pushing piles forward in short-yardage situations.

+Special teams coverage experience provides additional value, showing willingness to contribute on all four phases.

+Competitive toughness evident in his durability, missing only two games in three seasons despite heavy workload.

+Patient runner who allows blocks to develop, showing good vision to identify and hit designated gaps in zone schemes.

+Strong pass protection fundamentals from Navy's system, comfortable identifying blitzers and picking up rushing defenders.

+Natural leader with team captain designation, earning respect through work ethic and consistent performance.

+Versatile skill set allows deployment in multiple offensive packages, from traditional handoffs to motion plays and screens.

Weaknesses

-Limited top-end speed prevents him from turning corner runs into explosive gains, struggling to separate from pursuing defenders.

-Lacks the dynamic cutting ability to consistently create yards after contact, relying more on power than elusiveness.

-Size limitations become apparent against bigger defenders, getting swallowed up by NFL-caliber linebackers in traffic.

-Route-running experience is minimal beyond basic checkdowns and screens, limiting his versatility in passing packages.

-Footwork in pass protection needs refinement, sometimes lunging at rushers rather than maintaining proper base and leverage.

-Straight-line runner who struggles with sharp cuts and direction changes, making him predictable in open-field situations.

-Limited exposure to pro-style concepts due to Navy's unique offensive system, requiring significant scheme adjustment period.

-Lacks the home-run speed to be a featured back, projecting more as a complementary piece than primary option.

NFL Comparison: Rex Burkhead

Fan voting will be available once grades are published.

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