The Pittsburgh Steelers have what is likely the best group of outside linebackers in the NFL. The two starters are proven stars in TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, while Nick Herbig is a young, second-year player who has shown a ton of promise. For the time being, Herbig will have to find a way to make an impact on special teams and on the few defensive snaps he sees. Herbig did a good job of this during his rookie year, and has been making the most of his opportunities since entering the league.
Pittsburgh selected Herbig in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Wisconsin. This is also Watt's alma mater, and the two reportedly had a pre-existing relationship before the Steelers decided to bring Herbig to Pittsburgh. Every rookie struggles in some way while transitioning to the NFL, the same goes for Herbig. However, according to reports out of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) from Brian Batko, Herbig seems to have refined his game.
"Four of last year’s draft picks are either definite starters or have a chance to be, but Nick Herbig isn’t one of them. Still, he should be primed for a bigger role in Year 2. My own personal observation from OTAs is that he looks more like an NFL edge rusher now than when he showed up a year ago."
Herbig has been given a better chance to shine during OTAs recently, since Watt is on a well-earned vacation before the start of mandatory minicamp. Herbig has been playing opposite Highsmith, and impressing. This is good news for Pittsburgh, as Watt often comes off the field for breathers during defensive drives.
Due to being behind Highsmith and Watt, Herbig didn't start a single game during his rookie year. He saw consistent playing time on special teams, but played as little as two defensive snaps some weeks. Despite the low snap count, Herbig made an impact. He finished his rookie year with 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 5 tackles for loss. Herbig spoke with Batko, and explained his goals during the 2024 offseason and what it's like getting more snaps during Watt's absence.
"I don’t want to say I put on weight, but just trying to lean my body out, get rid of all the excess fat and stuff I didn't need last season. Him [Watt] being here’s awesome, but at the same time, I get to go against Broderick [Jones] every day now, I’m kind of feeling that out. It’s a good learning experience for me."
Herbig made sure to note that even when Watt is present to take the majority of the snaps, it is still valuable to him. He is able to consistently learn from one of the best in the league. Pittsburgh has yet to re-sign their other outside linebacker from 2023, Markus Golden, who saw a decent amount of playing time in relief of Watt and Highsmith. Herbig could be expected to take on a larger role, especially if Pittsburgh doesn't add more help at the position.
Steelers' Nick Herbig Expected To Have Larger Role In 2024
Golden was the primary backup at outside linebacker for Pittsburgh in 2023. He even started in the playoffs while Watt was out with a knee injury. Golden played 230 snaps during the regular season, compared to just 191 snaps for Herbig. A lot of that workload will be placed on Herbig going into 2024, as he is expected to make a leap going into his second season.
Behind Herbig at outside linebacker will likely be offseason addition Jeremiah Moon, who won't see the field as much as Golden did in 2023. Assuming Pittsburgh doesn't go and re-sign Golden, Herbig will be relied upon much more in 2024. It is safe to say he is poised to have a big year behind Watt and Highsmith.
