Following a strong preseason, second-year linebacker Nick Herbig has garnered well-deserved recognition for his performance from various NFL analysts. One of them is Chris Trapasso from CBS Sports.
In his latest piece on top 10 young players with breakout potential this season, Trapasso had Herbig at No. 10 on his list. Despite having one of the premier pass rush tandems in T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, Trapasso detailed how Herbig possessed all the physical traits necessary to be an elite pass rusher.
"In Pittsburgh pass rushers grow on trees, and Herbig possesses a very Steelers-like motor, the requisite bend to scare offensive tackles with his outside speed rush, some low-center-of-gravity power, and fluid counter moves. He'll be considered one of the best young situational pass rushers in football at season's end in what should be another stingy Steelers defense that will be fun to play against for exactly zero quarterbacks in 2024."
This preseason, Herbig displayed those traits in a big way as he finished as the league's highest-graded EDGE with an elite overall grade of 93.1, according to Pro Football Focus. Despite having a mere 74 pass rush reps in his rookie season, Herbig managed to register three sacks, eight quarterback pressures, two forced fumbles, and five tackles for loss.
Herbig is quickly coming into his own, and fans should expect him to play an essential role on the Steelers defensive unit this season. Herbig, whether positioned as an EDGE rusher or on the inside, has the potential to impact the game in a variety of ways.
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