Elite Fullback for the 2026 NFL Draft: Eli Heidenreich Leads the PFF Pack
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In an NFL landscape where the fullback position seems like a relic of the past, Navy's Eli Heidenreich is making a compelling case for why teams should reconsider. The 6'0", 206-pound senior has absolutely dominated PFF's fullback rankings, earning the #1 spot among all fullbacks for two consecutive seasons with grades that would make any scout take notice.
The Numbers Don't Lie: PFF Domination
Heidenreich's PFF trajectory tells the story of a player who's gotten better each year. In 2023, he posted a solid 82.7 grade, ranking 4th out of 479 fullbacks nationally. But here's where it gets interesting: by 2024, he skyrocketed to the top spot with a 91.4 grade, and this season he's maintaining that elite level with a staggering 92.9 PFF grade through 695 snaps.
To put this in perspective, there are only 5 fullbacks getting significant playing time in college football right now, and Heidenreich is lapping the field. When you're grading out at 92.9, you're not just good: you're exceptional at your craft.
Why Navy's System Creates Elite Players
The Naval Academy's triple-option offense isn't just about tradition: it's a fullback factory. Heidenreich has thrived in a system that demands versatility, intelligence, and relentless physicality. Navy's offense requires fullbacks who can lead block, catch out of the backfield, and even line up wide when needed.
This isn't your grandfather's fullback position. Heidenreich has proven he can handle the modern demands of the position while excelling at the fundamentals that made fullbacks valuable in the first place. His ability to read defenses, create running lanes, and serve as a safety valve in the passing game makes him a throwback with modern applications.
The Rarity Factor: A Dying Breed
Here's what makes Heidenreich's draft stock so intriguing: fullbacks are practically extinct in today's NFL. Only a handful of teams still carry a true fullback on their roster, which means when they do, they need that player to be elite at multiple skills.
Teams like San Francisco, Baltimore, and Buffalo have shown that a quality fullback can be a difference-maker in short-yardage situations and goal-line scenarios. Kyle Juszczyk's success in San Francisco has proven there's still value in a player who can block, catch, and even take direct snaps.
Breaking Down Heidenreich's Skill Set
Lead Blocking Excellence: His 92.9 PFF grade this season is built primarily on his ability to create running lanes. Navy's rushing attack relies heavily on fullback blocking, and Heidenreich has consistently opened holes for the Midshipmen's ball carriers.
Receiving Threat: Modern NFL fullbacks need to be more than just blockers. Heidenreich has shown reliable hands and route-running ability, making him a legitimate receiving threat out of the backfield. This dual-threat capability is exactly what NFL teams look for in the position.
Football IQ: Playing in Navy's complex offensive system requires exceptional football intelligence. Heidenreich's ability to make pre-snap reads and adjust his assignments on the fly demonstrates the mental acuity that translates well to the professional level.
Special Teams Value: Don't overlook this aspect: fullbacks are often core special teams contributors. Heidenreich's combination of size, speed, and hitting ability makes him an ideal candidate for coverage teams and special packages.
The Draft Projection Reality
At PFF rank #366 overall, Heidenreich faces the reality that fullbacks simply aren't drafted early anymore. The last fullback selected in the first three rounds was Kyle Juszczyk back in 2013. However, this could work in Heidenreich's favor.
Smart teams know that finding a quality fullback as an undrafted free agent or late-round pick represents incredible value. His Navy background brings built-in leadership qualities and work ethic that NFL teams covet, especially from their core special teams players.
What This Means for Youth Development
For coaches developing young talent, Heidenreich's success story offers valuable lessons. His rise to the top of PFF's fullback rankings didn't happen overnight: it was built through consistent improvement and mastering fundamentals.
At Boardwalk Beasts Football Club, we emphasize the same principles that made Heidenreich elite: technique refinement, football IQ development, and versatility training. These fundamentals apply whether you're developing fullbacks, linebackers, or any position that requires physicality and intelligence.
The Leadership Factor
One aspect that doesn't show up in PFF grades but matters tremendously is leadership. Navy players, by nature of their military academy background, bring a different level of maturity and leadership to NFL locker rooms. Heidenreich's ability to mentor younger players and serve as a culture-setter could be just as valuable as his on-field contributions.
This leadership component is something we focus heavily on in our recruiting programs, understanding that the best players aren't just physically gifted: they elevate everyone around them.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Draft
While Heidenreich may not hear his name called until Day 3 of the draft, his combination of elite PFF grades, positional scarcity, and Navy pedigree makes him an intriguing prospect for the right team. Organizations with established fullback roles or creative offensive coordinators looking for a versatile piece should have him high on their boards.
The beauty of his situation is that he doesn't need to be a starter to provide value. NFL teams are built on finding players who can contribute in multiple areas, and Heidenreich fits that mold perfectly.
Teams that have thrived with fullbacks recently: the 49ers with their creative offensive packages, the Ravens with their power running game, or the Bills with their goal-line packages: represent ideal landing spots for a player of Heidenreich's skill set.
The Bottom Line
Eli Heidenreich's dominance of PFF's fullback rankings over the past two seasons isn't just about individual excellence: it's about proving that the position still has value in modern football when executed at an elite level. His combination of blocking prowess, receiving ability, and Navy-bred leadership makes him the type of under-the-radar prospect that can provide tremendous value to the right organization.
For a position that many consider obsolete, Heidenreich is making a strong case that reports of the fullback's death have been greatly exaggerated. Sometimes the best draft picks aren't the flashiest: they're the ones who simply do their job better than anyone else.
Want to develop players with the same fundamentals that made Heidenreich elite? Explore our skill development programs and learn how proper technique and football IQ can set your athletes apart from the competition.
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