When the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted former Wisconsin linebacker Nick Herbig in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft, it wasn’t clear what his role would be on defense. Through two days of practice, we might be seeing glimpses of what Pittsburgh is going to ask of Herbig.
Coming out of Wisconsin, Herbig’s athleticism was never in question. The concerns were with his lack of bulk and wondering if he could hold up physically in the run game. Pittsburgh asks their outside linebackers to be just as strong as a run defender as a pass rusher, especially on early downs.
But in training camp, Herbig is showing not only some solid pass-rush moves but also some impressive coverage skills. Those in attendance have noted Herbig looks very natural dropping into coverage and he has enough speed not to be a liability.
If Herbig can develop as a situational pass rusher and coverage player, he gives Pittsburgh a fourth outside linebacker for the rotation. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith as an elite duo and Markus Golden is maybe the best third edge the team could ask for. But getting Herbig in the fold as a rookie really adds some punch to a group looking to return to form as the premier group of pass rushers in the NFL.
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