For the Pittsburgh Steelers, linebacker Nick Herbig felt like an obvious pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The organization loves players that come from bloodlines that have been around the game. They've had several pairs of brothers on the team over the years, and it's made it quite easy for fans to detect who they will go after in the draft or free agency.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter/x: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers 2022 sixth-rounder Connor Heyward will play more than just tight end in his second NFL season, as he figures to be a big part of an offense that's expected to improve.
Due to Herbig’s bloodlines, the connection was there before the pre-draft process even started. His brother, Nate Herbig, has played four seasons in the NFL. That was his bloodline, and to only help matters even more, the Steelers had just signed Nate earlier in the offseason. For the second consecutive NFL Draft, the black and gold paired up a sibling duo by drafting one. Last year, it was Connor Heyward.
Now, just like with Connor last summer, Nick has quickly proved that he’s known as more than just “Nate’s (Cameron’s) brother.” Nick was impressive in the early summer portions of OTAs and minicamp, but the hype was sidelined until he could prove it in real action. Fast forward to August, and he’s been making headlines at training camp in Latrobe. Mike DeFabo of The Athletic wrote that when the Steelers assigned Nick a locker at their Southside facility, he scribbled “Rookie of the Year” onto a piece of paper and hung it up in his locker.
Prior to being selected by the Steelers this past April, Nick penned a letter to his younger self with some advice.
Player Tribune
Thankfully for Steelers fans, Herbig's impressive summer translated to the preseason. In the team's opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the rookie flashed throughout. He ended the game with 1.5 sacks and was viewed as one of the biggest "winners" from the team's performance. His constant pressure throughout was a continuation of what's been seen in Pittsburgh and Latrobe this summer.
Should Steelers feel confident about depth along edge?
Just a few months ago, the depth along the edge was seen as a concern. Behind Alex Highsmith and TJ Watt, the Steelers didn't have much talent. The team proceeded to sign veteran Markus Golden, who has 47 career sacks. Golden, coupled with the rookie Herbig, suddenly provides exciting depth for the Steelers. When Watt went down with an injury last season, the backups failed to step up. Now, it should be less of a concern.
Is Herbig a likely Rookie of the Year candidate? As of now, no. That’s no disrespect to him, as Highsmith is ahead of him on the depth chart. Highsmith isn't going anywhere either, as he just signed a four-year, $68 million extension earlier this offseason. If Highsmith and Watt don't go anywhere in the near future, Herbig may only have a role as the third pass rusher. Luckily for him, he has the versatility to bring value in multiple spots throughout the team.
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Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith has quietly evolved into one of the best in the NFL at rushing the passer.
According to DraftKings, Herbig has the 31st-best odds (+6500) of winning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. If he had a starting role, he would be a legitimate contender, especially with a defense like Pittsburgh's. From the moment he got drafted though, it's become obvious that Nick will be a perfect fit for the Steelers. If he's not already, he will become a fan favorite.
Do you think Herbig will eventually become a starter for the Steelers? Are you confident in the team's backups along the edge if Highsmith or Watt goes down with an injury? What kind of numbers will the rookie put up in 2023? Share your thoughts and opinions below, yinz!
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