The Pittsburgh Steelers have been endlessly praised for the strength of their draft classes over the last two seasons. A lot of that has to do with General Manager Omar Khan, but also Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl - who was known for his strong drafts with the Philadelphia Eagles. Pittsburgh's rookie class shined during the 2023 season, and a lot of that had to do with players who weren't necessarily starters that still made an impact.
Associated Press
Steelers' 2023 rookies Nick Herbig and Joey Porter Jr. are part of best Steelers draft class in years.
Players like Nick Herbig were huge for the Steelers in 2023. He was able to produce and bring a ton of energy, even though he didn't see a lot of defensive snaps. He proved he is destined for a long career in the league, and could be an immediate contributor. After a training camp practice, Herbig spoke with Prospect Media on the field at St. Vincent College. He was asked about his favorite moment from his rookie year, and his answer says a lot about the person he is.
"Probably when Keeanu [Benton] got his first sack in the Raiders game. 'Cause I was in with him, I'm looking at him like, 'C'mon bro, c'mon,' then I dropped into coverage and I looked back and he got a sack. Oh man, that's my dog, that's my best friend. When I see he got a sack, being able to see my brother like that and have my brother on the team - just seeing my best friends live out their dreams."
Keeanu Benton was one of the most impressive rookies for the Steelers in 2023, and he played his college football at Wisconsin with Herbig. The two are close friends, and worked out throughout the offseason together. Benton's first career sack being Herbig's favorite moment from his rookie year says a lot about the second-year outside linebacker. He could have picked one of his own impressive moments, but instead, he focused on the success of his friend and teammate.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Nick Herbig gets a sack against the Cincinnati Bengals in his 2023 rookie season.
Herbig was on the field for more than 30 percent of Pittsburgh's defensive plays just once during the regular season, yet he still found a way to make a meaningful impact. He recorded 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles, while adding on 27 tackles.
His first sack was on Matthew Stafford in a victory over the Los Angeles Rams, which he easily could have mentioned. Not only was it his first career sack, but it also came on a probable future Hall Of Famer at the quarterback position. Arguably Herbig's biggest moment, came against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17. Pittsburgh essentially needed to win the rest of their games to have a shot at the postseason.
Herbig got Geno Smith down in the backfield with just over seven minutes left in the fourth quarter, and he also stripped the ball out and recovered it. Pittsburgh was up seven points at the time of the play, and this fumble recovery put them right into field goal position. Pittsburgh would end up winning the game by a score of 30-23.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker, Nick Herbig (51) during a game at Acrisure Stadium his rookie season in 2023.
Steelers' Nick Herbig Will See More Playing Time In 2024
Herbig's effectiveness during his rookie season can't be ignored, and it certainly will lead to more playing time. There is no denying that the Steelers are set at outside linebacker with TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, but that strong duo likes to take breaks on long possessions. The Steelers recently re-signed outside linebacker Markus Golden, who was on the field more than Herbig in 2023 - which shouldn't be the case in 2024. Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin has already publicly spoken about Herbig's likely increased role, which should be to get better production from the second-year linebacker.
What do you think about Herbig's most memorable moment from his rookie year last season? Let us know in the comments below!
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