UNITY TWP., Pa. — The Steelers have been searching for competent edge rusher depth for the last few years. It seemed like every time they would add something, there would be a block that would impede everything from fully locking in right away. But the rookie addition of Wisconsin OLB Nick Herbig could prove to finally give the Steelers a truly four-deep rotation at the position.
The Wisconsin rookie took the ghost move from T.J. Watt and added an Alex Highsmith-twist to his spin move, and became one of the best players at training camp. Nick Herbig was virtually unblockable and looked like a guy who should have a legitimate role on the squad in 2023. He held up against the run at a high level even on the edge, which might be the most surprising thing of the entire standout camp for Herbig. But the biggest thing that overrules this all is that Herbig has a deep bag as a pass rusher, and will clearly be a guy the team relies upon in 2023.
The Steelers have a player with fantastic burst and he uses that to work his entire repertoire against opposing offensive tackles. That is rare for a guy at this stage in their career to actually have, and Highsmith and Watt have been stunned by what Herbig has brought to the table.
Once thought of as a guy who would likely move to inside linebacker given his 230-pound frame is light for the NFL, Herbig is dispelling most of those notions. For one, coming out in the first game and giving Tampa Bay fits has to make the Steelers feel good about where he is right now.
Herbig came on in the second half and terrorized the Buccaneers’ offensive line. He racked up two sacks and a number of pressures outside of that with multiple different moves outside of those listed above. For a guy who was doubted as a potential true outside linebacker, it appears that will not be an issue for Herbig.