Production monster from the MAC who backed it up against Power Four tackles at the Shrine Bowl with a savvy spin move that showed legitimate pass-rush nuance. At 6-4, 260, Heldman has NFL size and a relentless motor — he led Central Michigan in sacks, TFLs, and QB hurries for multiple seasons and set the school record for career pressures. The 92.9 PFF pass-rush grade and second-best true pass set win rate in the entire draft class scream that this isn't just a small-school stat-padder, but the competition-level discount is real and athletic testing (estimated 4.80 40) may cap his projection. If a team can live with a developmental edge-setter who wins with effort and technique rather than elite burst, Heldman is a legitimate Day 3 steal or priority UDFA who could carve out a career as a rotational rusher.
- Elite PFF pass-rush production: 92.9 pass-rush grade and 40.2% true pass set win rate, second in the entire 2026 draft class among qualified edge defenders
- Demonstrated pass-rush nuance at the Shrine Bowl with a well-timed inside spin move to sack Virginia Tech's Kyron Drones against Clemson tackle Tristan Leigh
- Prolific and consistent multi-year producer: 19.5 career sacks, 34 career TFLs, and school-record 29 career QB hurries across 52 games and 42 starts
- Good NFL size at 6-4, 260 with functional play strength from the edge; described as having 'the size, the strength, the drive, and the athleticism' by program staff
- High-character, team captain with strong work ethic and leadership traits — Wuerffel Trophy and Campbell Trophy watch list member
- Competition level is a real concern: MAC offensive tackles are significantly below NFL caliber, and Heldman's best games came against the weakest opponents (Wagner, Kent State, Buffalo)
- Estimated 4.80 40-yard dash suggests limited burst and closing speed that may not translate against NFL-caliber athleticism at left tackle
- Left the GameAbove Bowl against Northwestern (his only 2025 game vs. Big Ten competition) early due to injury with minimal impact, raising durability and competition-level questions
- Limited counter-move repertoire beyond the spin; unclear whether he has the first-step explosiveness to win consistently with speed rush at the next level
Similar profile: productive MAC pass rusher with good size and motor, wins with technique and effort rather than elite athleticism. Floor is a camp body, ceiling is a rotational rusher who develops into a quality depth piece on a 53-man roster.