The Pittsburgh Steelers needed help at outside linebacker going into the 2023 NFL draft. To fill that need the Steelers selected former Wisconsin outside linebacker Nick Herbig in the fourth round. Here are our takeaways from the pick.
He has to put on some weight
At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Herbig is going to have to pack on some quality weight to be effective as an edge for the Steelers. A big ask of the Steelers edge guys is the ability to set the edge against the run and Herbig is a little undersized for that in the NFL.
Pittsburgh still needs an edge in free agency
As much as we love the upside of Herbig as a pass rusher, the Steelers are still likely to seek out a veteran edge player once the draft is over. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are great but the team needs someone who is ready on week one to contribute.
Could be elite on special teams
As exciting as Herbig’s potential is on defense, he might need to make his name initially as an ace of special teams. With his physical demeanor and competitiveness wherever he is on the field he’s going to go hard.
