The Pittsburgh Steelers raised eyebrows through the 2023 NFL Draft once they picked Wisconsin EDGE Nick Herbig within the fourth spherical and stored him at exterior linebacker.
That alternative has confirmed to be a wise one. Although Herbig doesn’t seize headlines like T.J. Watt or Alex Highsmith due to his restricted taking part in time, his efficiency when given the prospect speaks volumes.
Professional Soccer Focus analyst Jonathon Macri just lately named Herbig as probably the most underrated participant on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster.
Probably the most underrated participant for each workforce within the AFC North
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— PFF (@PFF) Might 17, 2025
“Since 2022, Herbig owns a 91.4 PFF pass-rush grade, which ranks seventh amongst all edge defenders with not less than 250 pass-rush snaps. With Watt and Highsmith often lacking time attributable to damage, having a high-end move rusher like Herbig ready within the wings is a really underrated and helpful possibility that not many groups have the luxurious of,” Macri wrote in his evaluation.
Herbig wasted no time exhibiting his potential on the sector. As a rookie backing up Watt and Highsmith, he recorded 27 tackles, three sacks, and compelled two fumbles.
His sophomore season in 2024 was much more spectacular, as he racked up 5.5 sacks and 4 pressured fumbles throughout 13 video games, together with 5 begins.
Even whereas coping with accidents that sidelined him for elements of the season, Herbig persistently made his presence felt every time he performed.
He has successfully decreased the workload for Watt and Highsmith whereas nonetheless producing stress and making massive performs because the third edge possibility.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ exterior linebacker room seems even stronger now with the addition of Ohio State standout Jack Sawyer within the fourth spherical of this yr’s draft.
This group may quickly be acknowledged as one of the vital formidable linebacker items within the NFL.
Quietly growing behind established stars, Herbig represents the depth that championship-caliber groups want.
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