When the president of the Pittsburgh Steelers calls you "probably the greatest seventh-round pick we've ever made," you know you've made an impression. That's exactly the kind of praise Art Rooney II heaped on rookie running back Eli Heidenreich during an appearance on NFL Network's The Insiders.

Selected in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Heidenreich has already generated a buzz that's rare for a late-round pick. Rooney couldn't hide his excitement, recalling the moment the team called his name. "The reception he got there, in the seventh round, was probably the greatest seventh-round pick we've ever made," Rooney said.

That's no small statement when you consider the Steelers' history of finding gems in the final round. Names like Pro Bowl linebacker David Little (1981) and two-time Super Bowl champion defensive lineman Brett Keisel (2002) come to mind. For Rooney to place Heidenreich in that company—if not above it—speaks volumes about the rookie's potential.

Comparisons to Christian McCaffrey have already started floating around, and while that might seem like a heavy burden for a seventh-rounder, Heidenreich appears ready to embrace the challenge. With Rooney's endorsement and a fan base eager for a new star, all eyes will be on this young running back when training camp rolls around.

Whether he lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Eli Heidenreich has already won over the most important person in the organization.