Steelers TE Connor Heyward praises rookie LB Nick Herbig’s motor

Nick Herbig seems to be coming along as a pass rusher in OTAs.

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In the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers took a chance on Wisconsin edge rusher Nick Herbig. The hope is the Steelers can turn him into a full-time 3-4 outside linebacker despite some concerns about his size.

But according to tight end Connor Heyward, Herbig has been impressive at OTAs with his get-off and motor. The more Herbig can help the Steelers this season the better off the defense. He said Herbig is following what T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are doing and that can only help him in his development.

Heyward also talked about new tight end Darnell Washington and his size and blocking. The addition of Washington gives the Steelers four tight ends on the roster who all can play and all offer different skills.

Pittsburgh typically doesn’t keep four tight ends on the 53-man roster but the versatility of Heyward should make it easier. The Steelers have not re-signed fullback Derek Watt and this is the vacant spot Heyward would take.

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