The Pittsburgh Steelers might seem to have an embarrassment of riches on their expensive defense, particularly at the outside linebacker position. After all, it is hard to top the dynamic duo of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. However, when Watt suffered his pectoral injury in 2022, the world saw just how critical depth is.
It didn't surprise many when Head Coach Mike Tomlin turned his sights on Wisconsin, Watt's alma mater, again and chose Nick Herbig in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Herbig seems small compared to other edge rushers at 6'2" and roughly 240 lbs. However, he didn't let the doubters derail his plans.
Every chance Herbig had to take the field, he made an impact. Now, with Highsmith dealing with a groin injury, Herbig is going to get an even bigger shot. He entered the Week 3 game against the Los Angeles Chargers and quickly racked up a strip sack on quarterback Justin Herbert and then another sack on his replacement, Taylor Heinicke.
His talent isn't surprising to those who've been playing with him in the Steel City, especially second-year offensive tackle Broderick Jones. Recently, ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor shared that Jones said he lived out a "Tomlinism" with Herbig: "Iron sharpens iron."
"'I'm not going to lie, when we first got here, Nick was working me,' Jones said shaking his head. 'Because honestly, I've never seen nobody like him, so fast off the ball and stuff. It was different, but it's something that I had to get used to,'" wrote Pryor. "Jones learned to adapt to Herbig's speed, but opposing tackles facing Herbig aren't so lucky. Herbig led the Steelers with a get-off speed of 0.73 second against the Chargers, and on the season, his average get-off speed is 0.77, significantly faster than the league average of 0.96."
Pryor noted that since his playing time in the first two and a half games was more limited, he only has two sacks to his credit in 2024 so far. However, he led the league with three preseason sacks for -27 yards.
According to Jones, Herbig's smaller stature and his speed actually work to his advantage. They make blocking him nearly impossible.
"'He's not a big target, so once he dips and rips and gets around the edge, it is kind of hard to get your hands on him,' Jones said. "'And he's so quick, and everybody thinks he's so small, but he's really strong.'"
While no one wants to get their shot at someone else's expense, Herbig will have an opportunity to show off his talent while Highsmith is recovering. If he can continue to show the kind of ferocity he showed against the Chargers, then he will be putting the whole NFL on notice.
Steelers' Nick Herbig Has A Lot Of Admirers
According to Pryor, Jones wasn't the only one to praise Herbig. She noted that Tomlin said Herbig believes in himself and is never scared, but he is also "hardworking and humble." It might be hard playing behind two All-Pros, but Herbig takes advantage of every opportunity.
Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick said that if Herbig were on any other team in the league, he would be a starter, playing at a high level. Watt echoed those same sentiments, saying Herbig does everything he can to perform and improve. He "turns over every stone and just busts his tail." Watt said he greatly respects Herbig and is thrilled he had a solid game.
Herbig will likely be the starter across from Watt for the Week 4 trip out to face the Indianapolis Colts. There is also little doubt that he won't make his mark.
