The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Wisconsin LB Nick Herbig with the 132nd pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.
An EDGE rusher at Wisconsin, the Steelers confirmed he’ll begin his career at OLB despite some chatter of him moving inside at the next level. Weighing in at 6’2, 240 with 31 1/4-inch arms, Herbig has a high motor and was highly productive, recording 36 career tackles for a loss and 21 sacks. Herbig had 134 career tackles, seven pass deflections, and forced four fumbles.
ESPN draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay were effusive in their praise of Herbig after the pick.
“No way he’s going to fail,” McShay said on ESPN’s live broadcast of the draft. “He’s just a football player.”
Herbig is the younger brother of OG Nate Herbig, whom the Steelers signed earlier in the offseason. New LBs Coach Aaron Curry attended the Badgers’ Pro Day to watch Herbig. At his opening press conference, Nate Herbig made it clear he wanted his brother to join him in Pittsburgh.
Herbig will add linebacker depth across the board. Pittsburgh turned over its inside linebacker room this offseason with the additions of Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, and special teamer Tanner Muse. EDGE depth remains a concern though DeMarvin Leal may continue to play on his feet in 2023.
Here is the good and bad on Herbig from our report.
THE GOOD
— Good production behind the line of scrimmage (sacks/TFL)
— High motor, great effort from play to play
— Good snap quickness and upfield burst
— Solid hand usage with chops and swipes
— Slippery around the edge and with counters/spins inside
— Assignment sound against the run
— Good backside chase
— Drives through tackles with his legs
— Solid mobility in Zone coverage situations
THE BAD
— Undersized playing in college at under 230 lbs.
— Arm length is marginal
— Power rush success is limited
— Limited pass coverage snaps and primarily only in Zone
— Inconsistent ability to stack and shed blocks
— Overall play strength is adequate
— In space needs to come to balance for more consistent tackles
You can check out our full report below.
As of this writing, the Steelers have two more picks Saturday, both in the seventh round. They’ll pick at #241 and again at #251.
