Raiders Opponent Rookie Spotlight: LB Nick Herbig

The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to bounce back from a loss as they welcome in the Pittsburgh Steelers to Allegiant Stadium for Sunday Night Football.
The Steelers rebounded from a loss in Week 1 to defeat the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football. They will look to keep that momentum going against the Raiders.
The Raiders will once again face an elite defense, one that features top-tier talent like edge rusher T.J. Watt and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Steelers’ calling card for years has been their defensive talent.
One player on this Steelers defense who could make a name for himself in the future is linebacker Nick Herbig, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Wisconsin.
Herbig spent three seasons with the Badgers, posting 134 total tackles, 36 tackles for losses, seven passes defended and 21 sacks. He was named First-Team All-Big Ten last season.
Herbig has not had a huge opportunity with the Steelers yet, as there is depth in front of him. He has played only 33 total snaps through two games this season, making three tackles.
Herbig has been playing outside linebacker in the Steelers’ 3-4 base defense, setting the edge as a run defender and setting up as a pass rusher. During the preseason, Herbig played mostly off the edge and had success rushing the passer.
Herbig is 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds, which is a bit smaller than the typical outside linebacker, but it allows him to win with quickness against offensive tackles. He is an intelligent pass rusher who uses his football IQ to displace offensive linemen and get to the quarterback.
The Steelers’ edge rusher spots are set between Watt and Alex Highsmith, but Herbig could see his snap count increase as he progresses during his rookie season.
When he is in the game, the Raiders need to be aware of the fact that Herbig can excel as both a run defender and pass rusher from the edge. Their offensive tackles will have to be ready for his quickness and physicality.
While he has not had much of an opportunity on the field yet, Herbig was widely regarded as a draft steal by the Steelers, and could play a role against the Raiders and even further down the line.
The Silver and Black return home to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 8:20 p.m. EDT/5:20 p.m. PDT.
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