When you picture New England Patriots running backs of the 21st century, you don\u2019t need to think long and hard before reaching a specific archetype: the undersized, jiggly receiving back who has been a key part of the team\u2019s dynasty era. James White, Shane Vereen, Danny Woodhead \u2014 they all fit this mold.<\/p>\n
In a way, Navy\u2019s Eli Heidenreich does as well; he has a skillset reminiscent of those ex-Patriots. However, his versatility and potential to fill multiple roles sets him apart and makes him one of the most unique players in this year\u2019s draft.<\/p>\n
Position: Running back\/Wide receiver\/Fullback<\/p>\n
Opening day age: 23 (7\/28\/2003)<\/p>\n
Measurements<\/a>: 6\u20190\u201d, 198 lbs, 73 1\/4\u201d wingspan, 29 1\/4\u201d arm length, 9 1\/2\u201d hand size, 4.44s 40-yard dash, 6.55s 3-cone drill, 4.22s short shuttle, 36\u201d vertical jump, 10\u20190\u201d broad jump, 16 bench press reps, 9.23 Relative Athletic Score<\/p>\n Career statistics<\/a>: 38 games (30 starts) | 1,685 offensive snaps, 246 special teams snaps | 169 carries, 1,157 yards (6.8\/carry), 7 TDs, 1 fumble (incl. 0 lost), 1 fumble recovery | 172 targets, 109 catches (63.4%), 1,994 yards (18.3\/catch), 16 TDs, 4 drops | 0-for-4 passing | 1 kickoff return, 0 yards | 9 punt returns, 54 yards (6.0\/return) | 14 special teams tackles, 3 missed tackles (17.6%) | 4 penalties (incl. 0 declined\/offset)<\/p>\n Accolades: Second-team All-AAC (2025)<\/p>\n Heidenreich had a successful high school career at Mt. Lebanon in Pittsburgh, but he nonetheless was rated as a no-star recruit. He eventually committed to the Naval Academy, where he spent his entire four-year career at the college level.<\/p>\n In those four years, Heidenreich saw action in 38 games with 30 starts and became one of the most productive players in program history. Aligning all over the formation in what can best be described as a hybrid wide receiver\/running back\/fullback role, he ended his career with 3,151 scrimmage yards \u2014 including a school record 1,994 yards receiving.<\/p>\n Heidenreich\u2019s most memorable performances came when the light was brightest. In 2025, he registered 243 receiving yards and three scores against Air Force and later in the year had a crucial fumble recovery before catching the game-winning touchdown versus Army.<\/p>\n Projected round: 6-7 | Consensus big board<\/a>: No. 194 | Patriots meeting<\/a>: N\/A<\/p>\n Strengths: As noted above, Heidenreich is one of the most unique players in this year\u2019s draft and a potential chess piece capable of filling multiple roles in an offense. He can be split out wide because of his precise route-running and natural feel for leverage, use his elite quickness \u2014 98 percentile three-cone drill \u2014 to win in the slot, and operate as a lead blocker due to his toughness. He also has the tools to play a traditional halfback role both in the ground game and in passing situations.<\/p>\n He is a truly explosive player, who offers a mix of vision and pad consistency needed to succeed as a between-the-tackles back at the next level. He also has the pure speed to stress defenses when racing for the perimeter or making cuts in zone structures. Long story short, he is a baller.<\/p>\n Weaknesses: Heidenreich is a bit of an unclear projection heading into the NFL. He is coming out of Navy\u2019s Wing-T offense which oftentimes was designed in a way to get him free to the perimeter, and he also ran a limited route tree that focused heavily on slants, quick outs and screen plays. His college success translating to a more traditional offensive setup where he will be asked to be more proactive in creating plays on his own is not a given.<\/p>\n In addition, he has a short catch radius due to his 7-percentile arm length and has limited experience as a pass protector (16 such snaps in four seasons). He also enters the league with no clear position after having played slotback at Navy. Is he a running back? A slot receiver? A fullback? What we do know is that he likely will not be everyone\u2019s flavor.<\/p>\n What would be his role? That\u2019s the big question, isn\u2019t it? Depending on how the Patriots view Heidenreich, he could come in to compete for a role as a third down\/receiving back behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson or line up as a slot receiver in the mold of DeMario Douglas. Either way, he will be a rotational and package player especially early on in his career.<\/p>\n Does he have positional versatility? His versatility is one of Heidenreich\u2019s defining traits as a prospect, and something offensive coordinators could have a field day with. Whether it can fully be used at the NFL level remains to be seen, but in theory he could become a true jack of all trades. That is true on offense, and might also apply to the kicking game: even though he only ran back a combined 10 kickoffs and punts in college, he should be able to compete for a job.<\/p>\n What is his growth potential? Heidenreich\u2019s progression and eventual ceiling will very much be defined by his ability to adapt to an NFL system and how teams view him as a player. His athletic profile and knack for making plays at least make for an exciting prospect worth taking a flier on on Day 3.<\/p>\n Why the Patriots? Josh McDaniels is one of the best offensive coordinators in the NFL because of his ability to adjust depending on the needs of his personnel. Heidenreich and his immense versatility would be a perfect fit in that regard: he can do whatever the offense needs him to do without skipping a beat. In addition, adding him as a receiving back whose traits compare to both James White and Danny Woodhead would fill a need for the team.<\/p>\n Why not the Patriots? The Patriots have a player under contract who we described as having \u201can argument as one of the most naturally versatile players on the Patriots\u2019 roster\u201d last summer: then-rookie Lan Larison, who missed all of 2025 with a broken foot. If the team thinks that Larison has the tools to play the role Heidenreich would be projected for, there would not be much of a need to add the Navy product even late in the draft.<\/p>\n One-sentence verdict: One of the most unique playmakers in this year\u2019s draft, Heidenreich has \u201cPatriot\u201d written all over him not just because of his alma mater.<\/p>\n