NFL Draft intel: Risers include Navy WR Eli Heidenreich, Michigan RB Justice Haynes

Service academy athletes must complete two years of service before turning pro. However, an amendment in the National Defense Authorization Act allows secretaries of military departments to transfer as many as three cadets or midshipmen from each service academy if they attain professional sports employment (via The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec). This lets them play while fulfilling their service. 

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie safety Rayaun Lane III — a sixth-round pick out of Navy — transferred to the Marine Corps. Heidenreich, who ranks third in program history in receiving yards (1,466), could do the same if a team takes a chance on him in the draft and he makes the roster.

Heidenreich attended Mount Lebanon (Pa.) High School, six miles south of Pittsburgh.

Michigan RB Justice Haynes 

Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore believes Haynes — who ranks fourth in the FBS in rushing yards (654 in five games) — should be a Heisman candidate.

“Animal,” the coach said of the RB in a Monday news conference. “He should be up for the Heisman. This dude is what you saw on film: an explosive player.” 

Moore said Haynes’ speed reminds him of former Dallas Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray, whom the ex-offensive lineman played with at Oklahoma. That trait could make the 5-foot-11, 210-pounder the draft’s RB2 behind Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love (6-foot, 214 pounds).

“Love ultimately might be the only RB drafted in the top 50, but Haynes has the goods to be a quality NFL back and a Day 2 pick,” wrote The Athletic’s Dane Brugler on Sunday. 

Tate is the other  Ohio State WR. The Buckeyes feature star sophomore WR Jeremiah Smith, who’s ineligible until the 2027 draft. 

Still, scouts should be eyeing Tate (6-foot-3, 195 pounds) closely after his Week 6 performance against Minnesota. In the 42-3 blowout at home, he had nine receptions for a season-high 183 receiving yards and one touchdown. 

“If you’re going to give Tate a runway and not protect over the top, you’re playing with fire, as Minnesota found out on Saturday night,” wrote Brugler in a story published Tuesday. “However, with Jeremiah Smith also on the field, it is like picking your poison for any defense facing the Buckeyes.”  

The WR duo could help No. 1 Ohio State (5-0) repeat as national champions, which would keep Tate in the first-round conversation. In Tankathon’s latest mock draft, the Arizona Cardinals take him with pick No. 13.

Miami defensive back Jakobe Thomas

Thomas (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) is another key part of a Miami defense that is headlined by defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr., a potential first-round pick. In a 28-22 Week 6 road win over Florida State, the defensive back had five tackles, one forced fumble and an interception. 

“This guy is not high on scouting boards. But my goodness, does this dude snap?” The Ringer’s Todd McShay said Saturday on his podcast about Thomas. “He flies around and makes plays all over the field.” 

Thomas is not listed on Tankathon’s updated big board, but that could change before the end of the season. Through five games, the Tennessee transfer has 20 tackles, two sacks, one interception and two passes defended.

Cincinnati LB Jake Golday 

In a 38-30 Week 6 home upset over Iowa State, Golday had 12 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one pass defended. The performance showcased his versatility, which NFL defensive coordinators covet.

“Cincinnati uses him all over — in the slot, off the ball, wherever,” ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. wrote in a story published Sunday. “The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder has the traits, talent and work ethic to be a big contributor in the pros, and I have him in the Day 2 conversation right now.” 

Since transferring from Central Arkansas in 2024, Golday has established himself as a difference-maker for the Bearcats. Through five games, the former defensive end has 48 tackles, tied for the 20th most in the FBS.