The Pittsburgh Steelers are always a team to watch out for during the NFL Draft. The franchise is known for making shrewd decisions and finding hidden gems in the later rounds. And the 2023 NFL Draft was no different when the Steelers raised eyebrows by picking Wisconsin EDGE Nick Herbig in the fourth round.
But what’s even more surprising is how the Steelers have used Herbig, keeping him at outside linebacker instead of his natural position as a defensive end. While this may have caused some confusion among fans and analysts, it has proven to be a smart decision by the Steelers organization.
Despite limited playing time, Nick Herbig has quickly become one of the most underrated players on the Steelers’ roster. While he may not grab the headlines like star linebackers T.J. Watt or Alex Highsmith, Herbig has quietly made his presence felt on the field and has been a valuable asset to the team.
Herbig’s journey with the Steelers began during the 2023 preseason, where he showed flashes of his potential and impressed the coaching staff. Despite being a rookie, Herbig’s work ethic and determination caught the eye of his teammates and coaches. They were blown away by his speed, agility, and relentless pursuit of the ball carrier.
As the regular season began, Herbig’s playing time was limited due to his inexperience and the depth at the outside linebacker position. However, whenever he was given the opportunity, he made the most of it. Herbig’s first career sack came in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Herbig’s performance has improved steadily throughout the season, and he has started to carve out a significant role for himself on the Steelers’ dominant defense. His speed and quickness off the edge have made him a nightmare for opposing offenses, and he has become a key contributor in the pass rush, racking up sacks and tackles for losses.
Analysts have also started to take notice of Herbig’s impact on the field. In a recent article, an analyst named Herbig as the Steelers’ most underrated player. And it’s not just his physical abilities that have impressed the analyst, but also his intelligence and understanding of the game.
Herbig’s versatility has also been a huge asset for the Steelers. Despite being drafted as an EDGE rusher, he has shown the ability to drop back in coverage, making him a valuable asset in passing situations. This has also allowed the Steelers to mix and match their defensive schemes, making them even more unpredictable for their opponents.
But Herbig’s contributions go beyond just his on-field performance. He has also become a leader in the locker room, despite being a rookie. His positive attitude and work ethic have been an inspiration to his teammates, and he has quickly gained the respect of the veterans on the team.
The Steelers’ decision to draft Nick Herbig has proven to be a brilliant move. He may not have been a household name before, but he is quickly making a name for himself with his impressive play and his impact on the team. And as the playoffs approach, the Steelers will rely on Herbig to continue making important contributions to their defense and helping them make a run at the Super Bowl.
So, next time you’re watching the Steelers play, keep an eye out for #52 on the field. While he may not grab the headlines like some of his more well-known teammates, Nick Herbig is undoubtedly one of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ most underrated players. And as he continues to progress and improve, there’s no doubt that he will become a household name among NFL fans.
