Steelers: Mike Tomlin isn't thrilled with offseason signing

Part of the team-building process for the Pittsburgh Steelers is drafting and signing players they have a history with. But like every other team, Pittsburgh is not immune to misses in player evaluation. And while it's still early, Mike Tomlin may have just foreshadowed that scenario with offensive lineman Nate Herbig: Mike Tomlin: "I don't […]

Rob Gregson — NFL News Writer

Aug 8, 2023 10:29 AM EDT

Jul 27, 2023; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Nate Herbig (71) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College.

Part of the team-building process for the Pittsburgh Steelers is drafting and signing players they have a history with.

But like every other team, Pittsburgh is not immune to misses in player evaluation.

And while it's still early, Mike Tomlin may have just foreshadowed that scenario with offensive lineman Nate Herbig:

Mike Tomlin: "I don't know that I have any Significant Impressions"

"A guy like Nate Herbig can play two positions, what is he showing you as a center?" Asked a reporter.

"You know, I don't know that I have any significant impressions thus far, I appreciate his versatility. I appreciate his experience. That's why he's here," answered Tomlin.

Well unless you just fell off the turnip truck, that is coach speak for "He's not doing a whole lot."

But that doesn't mean Herbig is bad, it just means he has yet to stand out, something I would have to agree with.

Fitting into an interior offensive line that boasts either clear upgrades or players familiar with the system, it would be hard for any player to make a significant impact to this point in camp.

And that's not even considering the unit that he faces every day, having to hold his own against names like Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, and Keeanu Benton to name a few.

But Herbig will soon have his chance to show what he's capable of, when the Steelers travel south to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Friday. The starters will likely be in street clothes, lending opportunities to those on the bottom half of the depth chart.

So hopefully Herbig will make the most of his opportunity, finally getting his chance to put his hands on someone not wearing black and gold.