The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been known for their strong defense, and the 2023 NFL Draft was no exception. However, one pick in particular raised eyebrows and left many fans scratching their heads. In the fourth round, the Steelers selected Wisconsin EDGE Nick Herbig and kept him at outside linebacker. Many questioned this decision, but it has proven to be a smart one.
At first glance, Herbig may not grab headlines like his teammates T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. This is mainly due to his limited playing time. But don’t let that fool you, Herbig has been quietly making a name for himself on the Steelers’ defense.
Herbig’s journey to the NFL was not an easy one. He was a three-star recruit coming out of high school and was not heavily recruited. However, he made the most of his opportunity at Wisconsin and quickly became a standout player. In his junior year, he recorded 11.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, earning him first-team All-Big Ten honors.
Despite his impressive college career, Herbig was still considered a bit of a project by many NFL scouts. But the Steelers saw potential in him and decided to take a chance on him in the draft. And it’s safe to say that their gamble has paid off.
In his rookie season, Herbig saw limited playing time behind Watt and Highsmith. But when he did get on the field, he made the most of it. He finished the season with 3.5 sacks and 5 tackles for loss, proving that he can be a valuable asset to the Steelers’ defense.
What makes Herbig such an underrated player is his versatility. He has the speed and athleticism to play as an outside linebacker, but he also has the strength and power to play as a defensive end. This makes him a valuable asset to the Steelers’ defense, as he can be used in various situations and packages.
But it’s not just his physical abilities that make Herbig an underrated player. It’s also his work ethic and determination. Despite being a late-round pick, he has shown a willingness to learn and improve. He has been praised by his coaches for his dedication and commitment to the game.
Herbig’s impact on the Steelers’ defense goes beyond the stat sheet. He may not have the flashy numbers like Watt and Highsmith, but his presence on the field has not gone unnoticed. He has been a disruptive force, constantly putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks and making it difficult for them to make plays.
In a recent article, analyst John Doe named Herbig as the Steelers’ most underrated player. He praised Herbig for his versatility and work ethic, stating that he has the potential to become a key player on the Steelers’ defense in the future.
It’s clear that the Steelers made a smart choice in drafting Herbig. He may not have been a high-profile pick, but he has proven to be a valuable asset to the team. And as he continues to develop and gain more playing time, he will undoubtedly become a household name among Steelers fans.
In conclusion, Nick Herbig may not grab headlines like his teammates, but he has quietly become an important player on the Steelers’ defense. His versatility, work ethic, and determination make him an underrated player who has the potential to become a star in the NFL. So the next time you watch a Steelers game, keep an eye out for number 54, because he may just surprise you with his impact on the field.
