Steelers selected Wisconsin EDGE Nick Herbig with the No. 132 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Herbig (6’2/40) is another in a rich recent history of NFL-caliber Wisconsin linebackers. He does a great job of attacking the edges of blockers, allowing him to knife through gaps in the run game. Herbig helps to overcome a lack of ideal dimensions by strategically spraying an impressive array of pass rush weapons at opponents. His hop/chop move, shoulder shake and ghost move on the rush allowed Herbig to terrorize Big Ten backfields from the wide-nine alignment. A very cerebral player, instinctive, and always in position to make the play. Herbig’s 4.65s 40-yard dash was the 14th fastest Edge time in this class, so his burst on film may not be enough to overcome his slight frame and 31.25” arms that allow giant tackles to latch on and control him. Still, his 25 bench reps (79th%), 4.35 shuttle (79th%), and 7.75 RAS show enough athleticism for Herbig to thrive as an off ball linebacker, which is where he likely ends up in the NFL.
