The Pittsburgh Steelers raised eyebrows throughout the 2023 NFL Draft after they picked Wisconsin EDGE Nick Herbig within the fourth spherical and saved him at outdoors linebacker.
That alternative has confirmed to be a sensible 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 possibility speaks volumes.
Professional Soccer Focus analyst Jonathon Macri not too long ago named Herbig as essentially the most underrated participant on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster.
Essentially the most underrated participant for each crew within the AFC North 👀 pic.twitter.com/K1Uq9bN7V4
— PFF (@PFF) Could 17, 2025
“Since 2022, Herbig owns a 91.4 PFF pass-rush grade, which ranks seventh amongst all edge defenders with no less than 250 pass-rush snaps. With Watt and Highsmith sometimes lacking time on account of harm, having a high-end cross rusher like Herbig ready within the wings is a really underrated and helpful choice that not many groups have the posh of,” Macri wrote in his evaluation.
Herbig wasted no time exhibiting his potential on the sphere. 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 compelled 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 at any time when he performed.
He has successfully lowered the workload for Watt and Highsmith whereas nonetheless producing stress and making large performs because the third edge choice.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ outdoors 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 some of the formidable linebacker models within the NFL.
Quietly creating behind established stars, Herbig represents the depth that championship-caliber groups want.
