Steelers Star TJ Watt Has Already Been Mentoring Rookie Teammate Nick Herbig For Years

The Pittsburgh Steelers organization has always prided itself on traditions and relationships. Over the past few years, that has remained prevalent, as the team has had multiple sets of brothers on the team. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has always spoken about how much he values the bloodlines when evaluating football players, particularly around draft season.

That didn't change this offseason, despite a new General Manager in the fold in Omar Khan. Khan signed offensive lineman Nate Herbig early in free agency to a two-year, $8 million deal. It was a key move for the team's depth along the offensive line. With Nick Herbig in the 2023 NFL Draft, Nate's brother, it seemed obvious the Steelers would have interest. Well, they ended up drafting him in the fourth round, 132nd overall.

Now, Nick is at his first OTAs, officially kicking off his career in Pittsburgh. There have been discussions as to whether he'll play off the edge or as an off-ball linebacker, but it seems like the answer could be both. Luckily for him, he has the perfect mentor in 2021 NFL AP Defensive Player of the Year in TJ Watt. Not only are the two teammates now, but they have had a connection for a few years now. Mike Prisuta of Steelers.com gathered some quotes from Watt on the connection there.

"We've had many messages back and forth over the last two years. I've been able to see him [Herbig] develop and grow as a pass rusher, so I'm excited to have him in the room. We've been sending videos back and forth on how to do certain moves and just always picking our brain on pass rush," Watt said via Prisuta.

That Badger connection is a real thing in Pittsburgh, as there are now four former University of Wisconsin players on the Steelers. Furthermore, all four of them are on the defensive side of the ball. Wisconsin is known for their old-school, true Big 10-style brand of football, somewhat similar to the black and gold. They pride themselves on dominating in the trenches, while specifically being elite defensively.

It makes it obvious as to why the Steelers now have Watt, Herbig, Keeanu Benton, and Isaiahh Loudermilk all on the team. The four former Badgers are not only defenders, but they all play on the front seven of the defense in the trenches. Watt referenced how similar the two defenses are, which makes the transition a bit easier for these guys coming to the Steelers from Madison. 

"I think it's just the type of guy T.J. is. He's always willing to give back, always willing to help the younger people and give off any information he can. That's a guy I really look up to, a guy I like to model my game after. And now that I get the chance to pick his brain even more, it's just unthinkable. We were just going over some techniques and stuff, little pointers that he was giving me that helps him when he goes through everything," Herbig said via Prisuta.

Watt played for the Badgers from 2014-2016, while Herbig came in a few years later in 2020. While Herbig's size was a slight concern coming out of college, he was quite productive in his career. Over his final two collegiate seasons, he racked up an impressive 30 tackles for loss and 20 sacks. The fact that he gets to learn from one of the best in the game in Watt will only help him. 

The two's connection before the draft should only help for a smoother transition for the rookie. Additionally, Herbig gets the luxury of learning the professional ways from his brother, who is in the same locker room as him. The Steelers are intentional in the players that they go after, and this situation is no different. 

What position do you expect Herbig to play most in 2023 (and beyond)? What kind of impact will Watt have on a rookie like Herbig? What are your expectations for the rookie this upcoming season? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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