Outside linebacker Nick Herbig already spent much of his first year as a Pittsburgh Steeler trying to absorb whatever tactics he could from All-Pro starter T.J. Watt.
This year at training camp, he’s also getting tips from another former Steelers Pro Bowler: James Harrison. The 2008 Defensive Player of the Year was seen on the sidelines at Saint Vincent College this week, giving Herbig a few pointers.
“Any time there is a legend like that around, I feel like you have to ask him questions and pick his brain,” Herbig said after Wednesday’s practice. “Ask him little things about pass rushing and just playing football in general.”
Harrison is a good mentor for Herbig to have — and not just because of his resume. Neither player came into the NFL all that big for the OLB position in the Steelers 3-4. Harrison was listed as 6-feet tall and 242 pounds when he played. Herbig is listed at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds. Yet Harrison was a master at using his strength and powerful leverage to get to the quarterback, retiring with 84.5 career sacks.
“If Nick can be a young guy and try to learn from James Harrison, a (potential) Hall of Famer, why wouldn’t he try to soak up as much information as possible from him?” Watt said. “And it’s so cool that Deebo is willing to spend his time teaching his moves to us.”
Herbig may not have Harrison’s overwhelming strength. Not many in Steelers history have. But there are still plenty of techniques he could learn from a guy who mastered the position at a similar size.
“I don’t know if he can get James’ back. His back is big. A little bit different type of player, but it’s really good,” defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said of Harrison schooling Herbig. “We know where Nick is — he’s taking that second year leap, and he has a lot of stuff to learn, but he’s ultra-competitive and he’s got upside.”
Herbig was solid on special teams and popped at times when he played on defense. As a rookie, he registered three sacks, including a pivotal one against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17.
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Now, the coaches are looking for him to contribute more in 2024.
“Herbig is an example of our expectations for Year 2 guys,” head coach Mike Tomlin said Wednesday. “He showed some flashes a year ago. Obviously, he’s a capable (special) teamer. We’re just into him developing all components of his game and being varsity in all areas. He’s definitely capable of that and focused on that.”
It certainly would be nice for the Steelers to get some pass rush from other people besides Watt. The team had 47 sacks last year, 11th in the NFL. That was up from 40 the year before when Watt was injured for half the year, but still out of the top 10. The Steelers aren’t used to that when it comes to their defense.
Watt had 19 of those sacks by himself. Fellow starter Alex Highsmith needs to step up after only posting seven. He was blanked in seven of his last nine games. So it’d be nice if Herbig and some others off the bench could supplement the pass rush, especially if something should happen to Watt or Cameron Heyward on the injury front again.
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Another depth linebacker who could help is Jeremiah Moon. The former Baltimore Raven forced two fumbles in eight games and totaled 12 tackles in 2023. He has opened a few eyes in practices so far this summer as the team had an opening to replace Markus Golden at the other backup OLB spot opposite Herbig before re-signing him Thursday morning.
“Moon has been doing well and has really shown me some good stuff,” Austin said. “He has really good length and uses his hands, so I’m kind of pleased with Moon. Don’t know a lot about him. We got him late last year, and so you’re finding out about him in pads. I like what Moon is doing.”
With Harrison and Watt around as teachers, there are plenty of opportunities for Herbig, Moon and others down the depth chart to pick up the nuances of the position and the tradition of those who have played it in Pittsburgh.
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Tim Benz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tim at tbenz@triblive.com or via X. All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless specified otherwise.