Pittsburgh Steelers select Nick Herbig in 4th round of 2023 NFL Draft

In need of another elite linebacker from Wisconsin who can play off the edge, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted former Badger Nick Herbig in the 4th round of the 2023 NFL Draft at pick No. 132 overall.

Over the last three years, Herbig emerged as one of the best pass-rushers in the Big Ten, turning into a first-team All-Big Ten selection and a second-team All-American as a junior in 2022.

In three years he posted some terrific numbers as a pass-rusher, logging 137 tackles, 36.0 tackles for a loss, 21.0 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and seven passes defended.

As a junior in 2022 alone he rang up 15.5 tackles for a loss and 11.0 sacks.

Herbig essentially lived up to his billing from high school, when he was ranked as a four-star prospect and the No. 138 overall player in the nation in the 2020 recruiting class, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.

He checked in as the No. 20 linebacker in his class and the No. 2 player from the state of Hawaii, hailing from Honolulu (HI) St. Louis School.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Nick Herbig

Herbig’s work the last couple seasons for Wisconsin certainly brought him plenty of accolades and plenty of recognition, and there’s a reason he left school early to head for the NFL Draft.

The are some question marks about how his size will translate to the NFL level, but Herbig has good athleticism to make up for it.

Writes NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein in evaluating Herbig:

“A three-year starter as a 3-4 outside linebacker, Herbig is lacking in size and strength but possesses plenty of athleticism and potential. He can be a slippery rusher with subtle hands and a wicked inside move that leaves tackles in the mud.

“His lack of play strength limits his speed-to-power rush and his ability to stand his ground against tackles looking to widen him off the mark. He would benefit from a year in the weight room to get ready for NFL edge work, but he might have the instincts and athletic ability for consideration as an off-ball linebacker.”

Among the strengths listed for Herbig are that more than a quarter of his career tackles were in the opponents’ backfield, he has a good second gear to close down on the quarterback and he uses his hands to stay clean and pursue the football.

However, included in his potential weaknesses are below average play strength, difficulties setting a firm edge against the run and a speed-to-power rush that sometimes fizzles out.