You’ve heard of the Swiss Army knife, the iconic pocketknife that can do it all.
Well, the Pittsburgh Steelers and first-year running backs coach Ramon Chinyoung Sr. want to make it clear they have an alternation on that within the running backs room.
They have a “Swiss Navy knife” thanks to the presence of rookie seventh-round running back/wide receiver Eli Heidenreich.
With his versatility, Heidenreich proved he can do it all during his time with the Navy Midshipmen. Now, he’s aiming to prove he can do it all in the NFL, too, as he looks to carve out a roster spot with his hometown Steelers.
“He’s been in my room every day. He is a Swiss Navy knife, I told him to patent that,” Chinyoung said Wednesday of Heidenreich, according to video on X from 93.7 The Fan. “Great kid, does a great job of just meshing with the guys and relationships, but also taking the time to learn the scheme, identifying where he fits.
“He’s been awesome for us.”
Since the Steelers drafted Heidenreich No. 230 overall, the debate has raged on regarding his best fit with the Black and Gold. Though he went through the pre-draft process at the East-West Shrine Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine as a running back, many seem to believe his best NFL spot is as a slot receiver.
After all, his coaches at Navy raved about his hands and how special they are at the catch point.
But right now, he’s in the running backs room and is adjusting well to the NFL, according to Chinyoung. That versatility he has will only aid him in his pursuit of a roster spot.
Being able to wear multiple hats and line up at different positions will give him more opportunities to make plays and catch the eyes of the coaching staff. So far, that’s what he’s doing with Chinyoung, all while tapping into that Naval Academy leadership background, allowing him to adjust to the room and build relationships on the fly.
Hopefully the Swiss Navy knife nickname sticks. It’s pretty clever, and sums up Heidenreich as a player well.