In the Pittsburgh Steelers’ cinematic quest for a future quarterback during the 2025 NFL Draft, something else happened—something that could quietly reshape the defense. While the quarterback headlines stole the show, Pittsburgh made one of its sneakiest moves on Day 3, selecting outside linebacker Jack Sawyer from Ohio State.
Just like that, Nick Herbig’s job security took a serious hit.
I’ve got a lot of respect for Herbig. The guy played hard in 2024—13 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles is noteworthy. It’s what you want from a rotational edge rusher. But the reality in Pittsburgh is simple: being “good” is never enough when the franchise expects greatness.
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When someone like Sawyer falls into your lap, you don’t pass up that opportunity.
Sawyer is the kind of talent you make room for. He’s twitchy off the line, plays with violent hands, and shows that same relentless motor we’ve come to admire in T.J. Watt. It’s these traits that make this such a tricky situation for Herbig.
Nick Herbig must work hard remain with Pittsburgh Steelers after Jack Sawyer selection in NFL Draft
Sawyer isn’t just another body in camp—he’s a threat.
Teryl Austin’s defense involves rotation and relentless pressure. But depth charts only go so deep, and Herbig’s role—while valuable—could be labeled as replaceable now that someone younger, bigger, and just as explosive is in the mix. It’s not necessarily fair, but that’s the nature of the business.
Herbig still has a shot, and I’m rooting for him. He’s scrappy, smart, and brings energy every time he steps on the field. But consistency will be key. He’ll have to show the coaching staff that last season’s flashes weren’t just one-offs.
With Jack Sawyer breathing down his neck, there’s no room for average.
The Steelers didn’t just add another linebacker—they added pressure to every edge rusher on the roster besides Watt or Highsmith.
It will be one of the more interesting camp battles this summer, and as much as I like Herbig, I won’t be surprised if Sawyer turns heads fast. That’s just how it goes in Pittsburgh—iron sharpens iron. Let’s see who wants it more.