3 standouts and (2 big duds) in Steelers blowout preseason win over the Falcons

Steelers Stud: Nick Herbig

This is one young man who just continues to impress me. I loved Nick Herbig in college, and I had him as the 76th overall player on my 2023 NFL Draft board. When the Steelers took him with the 132nd overall pick, I was ecstatic. But as high as I was on him, Herbig had already exceeded my early expectations.

For the third straight preseason game, Herbig earned at least one full sack. This time it came from a beautiful inside move against the right tackle. To be honest, Herbig probably should have had another if it wasn't for a missed holding call.

Through the first two weeks of exhibition action, Herbig was among the highest-graded defenders in the NFL this preseason, via Pro Football Focus. That's unlikely to change after what the standout pass rusher did in Pittsburgh's preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons. Herbig officially finished the game with 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for a loss, and 1 quarterback hit.

Nick Herbig has been one of the best defensive players in the NFL this summer -- rookies or otherwise. Pittsburgh Steelers fans should be absolutely thrilled with his performance so far, and all signs seem to point to him being a Day 3 gem. As good as Kenny Pickett was, Herbig might get my Steelers preseason game ball this summer.

All statistics courtesy of ESPN.