Steelers Select Big Time LB Nick Herbig In The 4th Round At Pick #132

The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to continue adding to an impressive draft haul to this point with their first pick of Day 3. Yesterday the Steelers acquired a fourth-round pick from the Carolina Panthers in a trade that involved the Steelers moving back 13 spots in the third round. Pittsburgh dealt their original fourth round pick to the New England Patriots during the first round when they moved up to select Broderick Jones. 

Now with pick #132 in the fourth round, the Steelers have selected Nick Herbig an outside linebacker from Wisconsin. 

Herbig goes exactly where he was projected by our Ben Michaelian. Here is what he had to write about him earlier this month. 

DRAFT PROJECTION: 4th Round

"With not every NFL team running a 3-4 defensive scheme, that limits Herbig’s suitors right off the bat. Not to mention, he’s in a deep outside linebacker/EDGE draft class featuring the likes of Will Anderson Jr., Tyree Wilson, Nolan Smith and even Karl Brooks on the second day. With teams still looking for potential starters throughout the first three rounds, this may push Herbig’s name to Saturday, but he shouldn’t wait long from that point. He can be considered a solid fourth-round pick.

VERDICT: Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan have to be frothing at the mouth when watching Herbig. Nate Herbig was vocal in his recruitment of his younger brother in his introductory press conference last week and knows what he brings to the team. Ironically enough, this folds perfectly into what the Steelers look for in young prospects."

Herbig joins his big brother Nate who just signed with the Steelers this offseason. Nate came over to help sure up the Steelers depth on the offensive line, while little bother Nick will now become the main back up at outside linebacker to TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. 

This is the report on Herbig from NFL.com

Overview

A three-year starter as a 3-4 outside linebacker, Herbig is lacking in size and strength but possesses plenty of athleticism and potential. He can be a slippery rusher with subtle hands and a wicked inside move that leaves tackles in the mud. His lack of play strength limits his speed-to-power rush and his ability to stand his ground against tackles looking to widen him off the mark. He would benefit from a year in the weight room to get ready for NFL edge work, but he might have the instincts and athletic ability for consideration as an off-ball linebacker.

Strengths

More than 26 percent of his career tackles resulted in lost yardage.

Fluid inside move fueled by long, easy strides.

Excellent lower body flexion to dip and flatten into the pocket.

Finds second gear to close and finish quarterbacks.

Plays with good pre-snap recognition of hazards.

Uses hands effectively to stay clean and pursue the football.

Cross-faces tackle and disrupts run plays into the B-gap.

Good agility and change of direction in coverage space.

Weaknesses

Angular frame will require additional muscle mass.

Below average play strength and ruggedness at the point of attack.

Unable to sink and set a firm edge.

Lacks lower body strength to push through redirection.

Speed-to-power rush fizzles out.

Would benefit from varied entry angles and tempos as a rusher.