The United States Naval Academy was well represented in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday with defensive tackle Landon Robinson and running back Eli Heidenreich from the Midshipmen each being selected by AFC North teams.
First, Robinson went to the Cincinnati Bengals with the No. 226 selection, which is dedicated to the late Pat Tillman. The pick was announced by Margo Darragh, who’s studying at Yale Law School as a Tillman Scholar, endowed through the Pat Tillman Foundation which was established by Tillman’s family and friends.
Navy DL Landon Robinson pic.twitter.com/Y6SWlJ9rCv
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) January 29, 2026
Tillman was drafted No. 226 in the 1998 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals and played four seasons before enlisting in the U.S. Army. Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft was held three days after the 22nd anniversary of Tillman’s death during battle in Afghanistan.
Accompanying Darragh on stage in Pittsburgh was Tillman’s former teammate Zack Walz and artist Cody Sabol, who painted a portrait of Tillman that will be auctioned off for charity.
Robinson was a three-year starter for Navy. As a senior last season, Robinson totaled 6.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery and 64 combined tackles. That earned him American Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors and first-team All-American status.
Eli Heidenreich selected by Steelers in front of Pittsburgh crowd
Four selections later at No. 230, the Pittsburgh Steelers picked Robinson’s Navy teammate, running back Heidenreich — a Pittsburgh native.
After the pick was announced by former Steelers defensive back Will Allen, Heidenreich took the stage in full uniform and received a huge ovation from his hometown fans attending the draft in Pittsburgh. They surely loved Heidenreich also holding a Terrible Towel.
Moments like THIS 🙌
The Pittsburgh crowd erupts as the Steelers select Navy RB Eli Heidenreich in Round 7! pic.twitter.com/SEr2A6c8Ue
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 25, 2026
Heidenreich also played three years for the Midshipmen. Last season, he rushed for 499 yards and three touchdowns on 77 carries. He was even more effective as a receiver, snaring 51 receptions for 941 yards and six scores.
With 1,994 receiving yards, Heidenreich is the Naval Academy’s all-time leader in that category. He totaled 109 receptions and 16 TDs as a pass-catcher.
Joining the ESPN broadcast crew later on, Heidenreich said that he expected to be an undrafted free agent. He also revealed his favorite Steelers player while growing up was linebacker James Harrison, whose jersey he had.
Robinson and Heidenreich are only the second pair of Navy teammates to be selected in the NFL Draft, and the first since 1956 when George Welsh and Ron Beagle were picked by the Chicago Cardinals.
