Intriguing positional battles for Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023

Steelers EDGE3:

Nick Herbig vs Quincy Roche vs DeMarvin Leal

Even after the NFL Draft, I still don't really know what the plan is for the Pittsburgh Steelers when it comes to the first man off the bench in the edge defender rotation. If the past few years have taught us something, it's that this team can't afford an injury to T.J. Watt. Thus, they need to make sure they have a healthy rotation on the edge.

Sadly, the Steelers seem to be one man short here at the position. In an ideal situation, I would love to add a veteran free agent who could help spell Watt and Highsmith of snaps and have rookie Nick Herbig act as the EDGE4 for now -- playing special teams and occasionally seeing the field.

Instead, it currently looks like a two-way battle for the EDGE3 role. Herbig may have the upper hand as the current fourth-round pick who the Steelers seem to be very high on. However, there are plenty of questions about whether or not he will be able to hold up at his size.

Because of how he was used as a rookie, it's also reasonable to wonder whether or not the Steelers will use a player like DeMarvin Leal on the edge in base packages. Perhaps a healthy combination of the three is the answer or maybe the Steelers are still planning to add a veteran free agent. This will be a very interesting battle to watch unfold.