Steelers 4th Round Pick Is Already Garnering Some Wild Expectations

To put it lightly, the 2023 NFL Draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers was an absolute success. The team made moves left and right and was able to acquire several names that many didn't think would be possible before the draft began. However, with a successful draft comes high expectations heading into the regular season, both for the team and for the players selected. Now this is nothing new, early round selections are always expected to perform well right out of the gate.

For the Steelers, first-round pick, Broderick Jones and early second-round pick, Joey Porter Jr. have been getting a lot of the attention, and rightfully so. However, one name that was selected a little later down the line that also seems to be coming in with higher than usual expectations is 2023 forth-round pick, Nick Herbig. The Wisconsin outside linebacker was selected with the 132nd pick in April's draft by the Black and Gold, and will look to firmly cement himself into the rotation behind TJ Watt, also a former Badger, and Alex Highsmith. 

In an article by Brent Sobleski with Bleacher Report, he highlights a list of late-round draft selections he believes are in the perfect scenario to contribute to their teams right away and Herbig was one of the first names listed. 

"With Alex Highsmith set to become a free agent next offseason, Herbig can be as a rotational piece as a rookie and then potentially take over the spot opposite T.J. Watt."

Did The Steelers Draft Herbig To Eventually Replace Alex Highsmith?

According to Sobleski, it seems safe to assume Highsmith will be on the move following the 2023 season. That's definitely a possibility, as Highsmith put up some career high numbers last season, primarily in Watt's absence dealing with a torn pectoral for the majority of 2022. Highsmith notched a total of 14.5 sacks and five forced fumbles last season which ranked towards the top in the entire league. 

With a significant amount of the team's cap already going to Watt the next several years, if Highsmith puts up similar numbers again this year, he'll be sure to gather plenty of outside interest in free agency. 

And if that situation becomes reality, Herbig will be next in line to take over heading into his sophomore season. Now for right now this is all speculation, but what's clear is that Herbig has two successful NFL veterans he will be able to learn a lot from throughout his rookie season. The sky is definitely the limit.  

After Herbig was selected by the Steelers, Dale Lolley put together a piece for Steelers.com and had this to say about how the rookie edge rusher fits in with the defense. 

"The Steelers have a need at outside linebacker behind starters T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. After releasing veteran Jamir Jones a couple of weeks ago, the Steelers' depth chart behind Watt and Highsmith is Quincy Roche and Emeke Oguble, so there is a clear path to making the roster for Herbig. And once Herbig understands his duties on the outside, there's nothing that precludes him from perhaps learning inside duties, as well."

Herbig truly has the capability of being a Swiss-Army-Knife style player for the Steelers. Even though he primarily played on the outside during his college career, his smaller stature has many wondering about his ability to possibly play back in coverage as well. Back in February, he was even asked at the NFL Scouting Combine to workout with the inside linebackers, which is what Lolley was referring to above. 

Herbig hasn't even put on the pads yet for his professional career, but it's safe to say that a lot of heads will be turned in his direction to see how the forth round pick handles the NFL spotlight. 

What are your thoughts on Nick Herbig heading into his rookie season? Do you think he's destined to take over for Alex Highsmith heading into 2024? Be sure to leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts!