Steelers' defense has All-star potential if certain rookie is used right
The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't generating much buzz as one of the best teams in the league this year. But regardless of narratives or subjectivity surrounding the offense, Pittsburgh's defense finished within the top 10 of rankings last season, up 10 spots from 2021. Now, if the Steelers are to take the next step not only […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't generating much buzz as one of the best teams in the league this year.
But regardless of narratives or subjectivity surrounding the offense, Pittsburgh's defense finished within the top 10 of rankings last season, up 10 spots from 2021.
Now, if the Steelers are to take the next step not only defensively, but as a team, they will need one rookie defender to hit:
Nick Herbig was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by Pittsburgh. The hybrid defender primarily played as a pass rusher during his tenure with Wisconsin, but his skillset and size present the potential to be more than a one-trick pony.
On a recent episode of the A to Z Sports Film Room, James Foster broke down Herbig's tape and how Pittsburgh can get the most out of the talented defender:
"The Steelers drafted Wisconsin edge rusher Nick Herbig in the fourth round, and he was one of the best college football players in this class but he's a tweener positionally," said Foster. "If you look at 10 Different draft boards, five we're going to have him as an edge, five we'll have him as an off-ball linebacker. We don't know where exactly his best positional fit is going to be but if he can end up in a role that maximizes his skill set, you're looking at a "Swiss Army Knife" type of player that can impact every aspect of the game."
Herbig garners the "tweener" label because although he doesn't have very many reps at stacked backer, (Ryan Shazier's position) he lacks the size that most edge defenders possess. For reference, here is how Herbig compares to Pittsburgh's starting pass rushers, T.J. Watt & Alex Highsmith:
| Measurables | T.J. Watt | Alex Highsmith | Nick Herbig |
|---|---|---|---|
Height: | 6’4″ | 6’3″ | 6’2″ |
Weight: | 252 | 248 | 240 |
Arm length: | 33 1/8″ | 33 1/8″ | 31 1/4″ |
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"There's a lot to like but the size limitations might prevent him from being a true three-down edge. Projecting his ability to play off the ball is difficult because he didn't play that position in college, but he has a lot of skills that I think can jumpstart that transition," said Foster.
"Even though he's undersized, he's a relentless block shedder. He constantly tips his body and changes leverage to create a moving target for the blocker and he has great hand usage as a run defender."
"And then he actually showed a lot in pass coverage, more than some of the true linebackers even, added Foster. "He led all edge defenders in this class with a 79.1 PFF coverage grade and he had three pass breakups last year." He's quick enough to slide in front of passing lanes, does a good job reading the quarterbacks eyes, and is willing to lay a hit."
"So even though it's mostly just spot dropping into the flat and his coverage role in the NFL is going to be more complex, it's not a brand new skill for him and I think there's something to work with. So if he hits, you're looking at a versatile chess piece that can pressure the quarterback, defend the run, and drop into coverage."
And that's the truth of the matter. Herbig has the potential to fly around and make plays from a variety of alignments if he's used correctly. But if the Steelers don't find a role for Herbig early, his growth may be stunted and he we'll be left wondering what could have been.
For the full episode click here. Be sure to like and subscribe for more prospect breakdowns and team previews on the channel.
Featured image via: © Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
