Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig celebrates his sacks of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow on Dec. 1, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Pro Football Focus recently compiled a list of the most underrated players on all 32 NFL teams. In regard to the Pittsburgh Steelers, third-year outside linebacker Nick Hetbig was tabbed as the most underrated Steeler.
“Herbig isn’t going to get the same recognition as T.J. Watt or Alex Highsmith along the Steelers’ defensive line, and part of that has to do with his much lower snap share, but it’s worth noting how well he has performed when he is given an opportunity.
“Since 2022, Herbig owns a 91.4 PFF pass-rush grade, which ranks seventh among all edge defenders with at least 250 pass-rush snaps. With Watt and Highsmith occasionally missing time due to injury, having a high-end pass rusher like Herbig waiting in the wings is a very underrated and valuable option that not many teams have the luxury of.”
In his first two years in the NFL, Herbig has recorded 49 tackles (32 solos), 8.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Despite receiving limited snaps as a third outside linebacker, Herbig has been a key cog in the Steelers’ defense.
According to Next Gen Stats, Herbig’s 21.1% pressure rate led the team through 13 weeks in 2024. Over half of his 31 total pressures on the season came in the form of quick pressures, those that occur in less than 2.5 seconds.
Herbig’s game-changing strip sack on Joe Burrow in the Steelers’ Week 13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals last year took 2:31 seconds from sack to fumble, per Next Gen Stats. At the time, it was the third-fastest sack in the league in 2024. It was also Herbig’s third straight game with a forced fumble.
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig before a agme against the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 1, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Herbig’s four forced fumbles were tied for fourth-most in the NFL last season. T.J. Watt’s led the league with six.
Herbig credits Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin for building a defensive culture in Pittsburgh, which has laid the foundation for his success.
“(T.J. Watt) leads the league in forced fumbles since he’s been in the league,” Herbig said. “That’s the culture that Coach Tomlin has built and these guys have laid the foundation for younger guys like me.”
Heading into Year 3, it’s expected that Hebrig will take a bigger leap than what he displayed in his sophomore campaign.
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