PITTSBURGH — Rookie outside linebacker Nick Herbig has not made it a secret that he’s been trying to learn everything possible from All-Pro Steelers star and fellow former Wisconsin T.J. Watt this year, but that script might be flipped on Monday when the Pittsburgh Steelers face the Cleveland Browns.
Herbig and Watt were joined at the hip through training camp with the younger former Badger trying to emulate every possible part of Watt’s all-world game.
Watt: Steelers Rookie Nick Herbig Looks ‘Phenomenal’
But this week, it will be the younger player with something to teach the elder. Watt and the Steelers starting defense will be facing Cleveland Browns rookie right tackle Dawand Jones for the first time, as he has replaced injured starter Jack Conklin. It’s the first time for Jones against the Steelers, but Herbig played him last year when Jones was with Ohio State.
So does the youngster finally have something to teach the vet? Maybe not.
Herbig said he doesn’t think he’s the same player he was a year ago, so it won’t necessarily be smart to think that Jones is the same guy he was last year, either.
“Everybody’s game is different from college to the NFL,” Herbig said. “Obviously, he’s getting better. We’re getting better. We’re learning new things every day. So you can’t expect him to come out and be the same he was in college or he wouldn’t be starting right now.”
But what he does remember from his time going against the Buckeyes left a lasting impression. Herbig had just three tackles, no sacks and no pressures in the game at Ohio State last September.
“He’s a good player, man,” Herbig said. “He’s athletic. He’s big, strong, long. I enjoyed going against him in college last year, for sure. I’m looking forward to going against him again on Monday.”
Herbig has been playing more behind Alex Highsmith at the right outside linebacker position, where he would be in line to face Browns left tackle Jedrick Wills. But his familiarity with Jones might make it make sense for the Steelers to try him on the left side in this one.