Steelers' Broderick Jones Instantly Developed Rivalry With Roommate Nick Herbig "We Always Talk Smack To Each Other"

Pittsburgh Steelers training camp and preseason are places where rookies and newcomers are able to adjust to the team and find their role. This year, the Steelers front office added a ton of new talent to the mix, including rookie offensive lineman, Broderick Jones, and fellow rookie linebacker, Nick Herbig. During the 2023 training camp, the two rookies have been put to the test by being lined up across from each other often.

Both Jones and Herbig are expected to make an instant impact on the field for the Steelers. Jones and Herbig have been arguably the "standout" rookies during camp so far. With Jones being 6'5", roughly 300 pounds, and with first-round pedigree, it's easy to see why he is set to have a great career. For Herbig, it's the complete opposite. He stands at just 6'2", roughly 240 pounds, and was taken in the fourth round. Yet, Herbig continues to impress, despite heavy criticism about his size; with many calling him "undersized." So far during training camp, Jones and Herbig have seen a lot of each other. As Jones lines up at left tackle, and Herbig lines up as an outside linebacker, these two will continue to make each other better in practice. 

Steelers' Rookies Embrace Rivalry 

As Jones and Herbig continue to see a lot of each other during the offseason, it leads you to believe how competitive they are against one another. After practice on Sunday, Jones spoke to 93.7 The Fan. He was asked how he views having to constantly line up against Herbig one on one. Jones responded by saying that he finds the rivalry to be fun. 

"I love going against Nick because he's my roommate." 

Jones continued by explaining how they've turned their battles in the trenches into a friendly "roommate rivalry."

"We sit down at the end of the night and watch our little clips if we go against each other. We always talk smack to each other. It’s a good rivalry. I love him to death. I love the way he plays. He plays with passion, every time I go up against him, it’s a good battle.”

Furthermore, Jones seems to absolutely embrace the rivalry the two sharp-nosed rookies have established. As we see once again with the Steelers, "iron sharpens iron." We have seen this trend with the Steelers more often now. Another great example of a "roommate rivalry" is Joey Porter Jr., and George Pickens. Why do the Steelers strategically pair players in rooms?

Well, it's pretty simple... rivalry. Head Coach Mike Tomlin believes that rivalries are a part of the "progression." These rivalries are usually made between younger players, allowing them to not only grow along side of each other, but also learn from each other.  As we see more and more of these rivalries between young players, you begin to see who the Steelers believe can be the next faces of the franchise. 

With Jones and Herbig constantly going against each other during practice, it's easy to say that the coaches believe they can both be very good in the NFL. Furthermore, for Jones and Herbig, the matchup against each other is perfect. For Herbig, he gets to face probably the biggest offensive tackle he's ever been against, helping prove to people he can fit in, despite the criticism about his size. For Jones? By constantly going against Herbig, he's able to refine his "pass pro" (pass blocking) skills. With Herbig's fast speed rush ability, Jones is challenged to be able to speed up his footwork in order to block the speedy Herbig. 

To put it simple, the rivalry between Jones and Herbig will allow the two to gain experience through each other. By rooming together, they gain a different kind of bond that any team would love to have between their rookies. With Herbig and Jones both having a great training camp, and preseason, it's becoming clear that the two rookies will be exciting to watch.

What kind of role does Steeler Nation believe the two rookies will have with the 2023 Steelers? Will Jones become a starter by Week 1? And will Herbig be able to see the field, despite being behind Alex Highsmith and TJ Watt? Leave your thoughts down below in the comments!

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