Rookie LB Shines Bright at Steelers Training Camp

UNITY TWP., Pa — The rookies had a strong day on Thursday in their first-ever training camp practice, but one Steelers rookie really rose above the rest. It was none other than rookie outside linebacker Nick Herbig, who flashed the traits that made him touted as one of the better day-three value picks.

Going up against the long tackles the Steelers have on roster, he would have registered at least two sacks with his rip-and-dip move, the patented move that has gotten him places at Wisconsin. I thought he did a great job of reducing his surface area and showing off some high-level bend. He’s only 230 pounds, so he better be showing off those traits.

He did this all on separate ocassions against Le’Raven Clark. My favorite was his second sack is when he knocked down the 36-inch arms of Clark and was able to use his natural leverage to bend around the edge. That’s some textbook hand usage that Denzel Martin worked on with him on the first day of Steelers training camp and in the spring. If he can brush up on that technique, he could be a highly effective sub-package edge rusher.

However, Markus Golden has seen his teammate and the young rookie already take strides. His veteran perspective is something that I don’t take for granted when looking at guys like Herbig. He sees an explosive player that is learning the ins and outs of the game.

“He’s looking good, man,” Golden said. “I didn’t even watch him as much today, but on tape, he’s been good all through now and OTAs. That kid has a lot of talent.”

Herbig’s burst was something that stood out to me the first time I saw him. He’s light and in run drills will probably struggle. But he’s a specific sub-package edge rusher right now who could be a boon in specific situations. I do wonder if they try to cross-train him at off-ball linebacker at some point, but for right now, Herbig is making his niche look plausible on the team.