Steelers’ rookie needs to stop playing with fire before he gets burnt
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a chance to boast the league's best edge rush duo in the NFL this year. T.J. Watt is out for redemption after missing seven games in 2022, and Alex Highsmith has arguably been the best overall player at Steelers training camp. But there is a young buck behind them that is […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a chance to boast the league's best edge rush duo in the NFL this year.
T.J. Watt is out for redemption after missing seven games in 2022, and Alex Highsmith has arguably been the best overall player at Steelers training camp.
But there is a young buck behind them that is quickly climbing the ranks, assuming he stays off of Kenny Pickett that is:
Nick Herbig off to a Hot Start
Herbig was the Steelers' fourth-round pick and 132 overall selection in April's draft. Seemingly sliding down the board due to size concerns, Herbig has had no issue handling the size of NFL tackles and guards:
“His game is improving each and every day and, I’m gonna have to start charging him soon ’cause he’s taking every single one of my moves," Steelers All-Pro T.J. Watt told reporters about Herbig. "It’s getting a little outta hand, but he’s winning a lot of reps. He’s learning with his losses, but he’s gaining ground every single day.”
And while Herbig is winning more reps than he's losing, he's getting too close for comfort when it comes to Kenny Pickett's blindside. Herbig is learning the lesson that NFL quarterbacks might as well be art exhibits in the Louvre during practice:
"We had to tell him, stay off", said Watt in regards to Herbig getting too close to the passer this offseason. And it will only take one lashing from Mike Tomlin or DC Teryl Austin for Herbig to stay away from the QB, especially with him proving to be a quick learner:
Herbig had another stellar practice on Wednesday, winning reps against both guards and tackles and showing his versatility when it comes to both alignment and pass rush plan.
The Steelers defense will go as far as the Watt-Highsmith duo is willing to take them, which could be record-breaking heights in my opinion. And even though they play like the Terminator, they are human and will need breaks every once in a while.
And when that happens, Steelers fans should be confident that Herbig will produce when called upon.
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Featured image via: © Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
