5 Steelers players with more to prove in next preseason game

The Steelers are rapidly approaching their second preseason game, and the roster is slowly starting to take shape. While there is still a lot of time between now and the start of the season, the first game was a telling sign of the outlook of this roster.

While everyone is trying to prove something still, these five players, in particular, have the most to prove during this second game. For some of them, they flashed good play in week one and need to build off of that. For others, their first game was lacking and they need to play better. These five Steelers have the most to prove during the second week of the preseason.

Steelers may have something in Nick Herbig

It was no secret that I was skeptical of the Nick Herbig selection since it was made in the draft. I feel like his size was an issue, as edge rushers that small have struggled at the pro level. While there has been talk about him moving inside, the team seemed content to keep Herbig at edge right now.

That appears to be the right move, as Herbig has been one of the biggest winners of the offseason so far. He was one of the better performers in camp, consistently beating tackles off the edge with his speed and pass-rush plans. Even with those strong practices, I still had my doubts about Herbig as an edge rusher.

That changed against the Buccaneers, as Herbig was one of the winners of the game. He continued to show his elite burst off the edge and wracked up multiple sacks in his debut. While it was against backups, Herbig continued his strong play into the first game.

Even if the sacks don’t remain consistent, seeing his burst and speed continue to shine will add to the idea that Herbig can cut it out on the edge. I will happily admit I am wrong if that is the case. Herbig could easily build a role for himself on defense if he continues his strong play.