It was an incredibly strong start to the draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After taking Broderick Jones in the first round, Omar Khan snatched Joey Porter Jr., Keeanu Benton, and Darnell Washington. With just three picks on the final day of the NFL Draft, we didn't expect Pittsburgh to make much of a splash.
With the 132nd pick in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected Nick Herbig. This didn't come as a big surprise. Herbig was a player who has been linked to Pittsburgh in the past, and he makes a ton of sense for what they need.
Herbig was an uber-productive outside linebacker for Wisconsin. In three seasons for the Badgers, he earned 36.0 tackles for a loss and 21.0 sacks, per ESPN stats. However, size could be a big issue in the NFL.
Where does Nick Herbig fit with Steelers?
At the NFL Combine, Herbig measured in at just 6'2'' and 240 pounds with tiny 31 1/4'' arms. This is far less than ideal for an edge defender. It will be interesting to see how the Steelers intend to use him on their team. Will they convert him to an off-ball linebacker or try to keep him on the edge? If they can get creative with him, this could work out well.
Omar Khan has been brilliant in his first NFL Draft. Herbig does not project as a starter for the Steelers, but he could carve out a rotation on defense. It's crazy to think that Khan and the Steelers have essentially turned the 80th overall pick in the draft to TE Darnell Washington and LB Nick Herbig.
As a senior Herbig played in 11 games, but recorded 47 tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, and 11.0 sacks. Pittsburgh obviously values Wisconsin defenders. Since landing T.J. Watt in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, they have now selected players like Isaiahh Loudermilk, Keeanu Benton, and now Nick Herbig.
It's also worth noting that the Steelers signed Herbig's brother, Nate, during free agency. Nate Herbig was a former guard for the Eagles and Jets, and he's projected to earn a job as the swing interior offensive lineman this year.
It may be a few years before we see how this pick pans out for the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Nick Herbig can overcome concerns about his small frame, this could end up being a very good value pick for the Steelers in round four of the 2023 NFL Draft.