DETROIT — The Pittsburgh Steelers may have discovered another star pass rusher in Nick Herbig. In his second year, Herbig is proving to be a standout, piling up sacks, pressures, and quarterback hits with ease during the preseason. Despite playing just nine snaps against the Lions, he recorded two sacks and three quarterback hits.
Although Herbig will be behind Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt in the depth chart, he’s set for a bigger role in 2024. Last season, he was highly effective in limited snaps as a situational rusher, consistently making plays. Head coach Mike Tomlin emphasized that Herbig’s impact goes beyond a starting designation, noting that the young pass rusher is making significant strides and will definitely have a role. “He’s making a leap, and he’s been here before,” Tomlin said. “He’s finding his place and wants to make a difference. We’ll find a way to utilize someone of his talent, starter or not. He’s proven his worth not just in games but throughout the team’s development.” Herbig is expected to see more action as a rotational pass rusher, not just in passing situations. He’s also showing promise as a run defender, which opens up new possibilities for the Steelers, including a three-outside linebacker formation that features Herbig alongside Highsmith and Watt.
With Herbig’s emergence, Pittsburgh now boasts one of the top outside linebacker groups in the NFL, elevating an already impressive unit to potentially the best in the league.