Nick Herbig learns pass rush moves from Steelers legend not named T.J. Watt

When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Nick Herbig in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, it was instantly a match made in heaven. Herbig was an outstanding edge rusher at Wisconsin with unmatched production. Despite declaring for the draft at 20 years old, Herbig recorded 30.0 tackles for a loss and 20.0 sacks over his final two seasons before entering the NFL.

Even with excellent film and production, Herbig slipped in the draft due to his size (or lack thereof). At just 6'2 1/8'' and 240 pounds with 31 1/4'' arms, many scouts and draft analysts believed he would be forced to make the transition to an off-ball linebacker at the next level.

Fortunately, his fit in Pittsburgh couldn't be better. Not only can the Steelers' outside linebackers get away with a lack of length in their hybrid 3-4 defense, but Herbig also gets to learn from a few of the best in the game: T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.

However, during the second day of padded practices, Herbig was taking mental notes and physical reps from another Steelers legend on hand.

Former Steelers star James Harrison works with Nick Herbig

The Pittsburgh Steelers alumni are a family, and former players and coaches often return to practice fields at Saint Vincent College during training camp to watch their team play. Sometimes they even help out on the field.

This was the case with James Harrison on July 31. When practice wrapped up, Bo Marchionte captured video of 'Deebo' taking the field to lend some pointers to second-year pass rusher, Nick Herbig. Even T.J. Watt, who already crushed Harrison's all-time Steelers sack record, stuck around to take advice from one of the best edge rushers to ever play for Pittsburgh.

This is the former-generation leadership that every fan loves to see. Because he's not employed by the team, Harrison has no obligation to be at Steelers training camp -- let alone be on the field teaching the next generation his patented moves.

Harrison knows a thing or two about playing with an undersized frame. Listed at 6'0'' and 242 pounds during his time with the Steelers, the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year was once an undrafted free agent who was written off early in his career due to his lack of size and length at the position.

Harrison is the ultimate NFL success story trying to help another in Herbig. During Herbig's rookie season in 2023, the signs were all there for him to be a fantastic pass rusher, as he displayed remarkable quickness, dip, and bend around the edge.

Herbig logged just 104 pass rush snaps as a rookie (191 total snaps), yet he recorded 27 tackles, three sacks, five tackles for a loss, and two forced fumbles. As he continues to learn from T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, and now James Harrison, Herbig will look for an even better campaign in his second season.

All stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference.