I love players like Eli Heidenreich more than most people. It’s not because they are perfect prospects, but once you get into Day 3 you don’t look for perfect anyway.
I like to look for players who can give me something different, guys who outplay where they get drafted.
That’s exactly why Eli Heidenreich stands out to me as a Cowboys’ sleeper pick.
He’s 6’0” and 198 pounds and runs a 4.44 forty, so I don’t think he is just some fun gadget guy. There is some real juice there.
Eli Heidenreich’s Measurements and Combine Results
Eli Heidenreich's NFL Combine Results
Those numbers are part of why I like this prospect. He’s not tiny or slow, and when you pair that with the way he was used at Navy, you can start to see why he’s an interesting late round pick.
Paired with a power back like Javonte Williams, he could create a good one-two punch out of the backfield and keep the offense on its toes with Heidenreich’s receiving ability.
Why Eli Heidenreich Stands Out
What I like most is that he produced in a versatile role at Navy.
In 2025, Heidenreich finished with 51 catches for 941 yards and 6 touchdowns, while also running 77 times for 499 yards and 3 more scores.
This guy isn’t just lining up everywhere and not producing. He is added to the offense by being a runner and receiver.
Navy also lists him as the program’s career receiving-yardage leader at 1,994 yards, which tells me he was a major part of that offense, not just a gimmick player.
He is like a poor man’s Christian McCaffrey.
I’m not saying Eli Heidenreich is Christian McCaffrey, let’s kill that right now. He is not that level of prospect, but if we are talking about a lesser version of the versatility, where he can move around, catch the ball, and give your offense a little extra juice, then yeah, this fits.
Why Schottenheimer’s Comment Matters
This is when the fit really clicked for me.
Brian Schottenheimer said Dallas has to “evolve” and mentioned maybe doing a little more two-back stuff while letting Hunter Luepke do some things.
The second I saw that, my mind went straight to a player like Eli Heidenreich.
If Dallas really wants to evolve, then adding another movable piece makes a lot of sense.
I wouldn’t draft Heidenreich and act like he’s a normal RB2. That would miss the whole point and limit the options.
I’d draft him because he can be part of two-back looks, motion out, catch the ball, and make the offense feel less predictable. That is where his value would come from.
Eli Heidenreich Makes Sense Late
Heidenrich is probably going to be available late because he doesn’t have a position. A lot of teams are going to see him as a “tweener” and move on, not knowing what he can actually offer.
I like the wrinkle he could give Brian Schottenheimer, another toy or chess piece to help this offense evolve.
On Day 3, I feel like this is the kind of bet I would be willing to take.
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