Steelers Would Be Making A Big Mistake Moving Nick Herbig To Inside Linebacker

The Pittsburgh Steelers discovered during the 2024 season that they have holes to fill on the team, but one of them isn't outside linebacker. They are fortunate to have TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig making up that room, and that doesn't seem likely to change for 2025. While it is definitely fair to criticize some of the coaching decisions surrounding the usage of those players, the issue isn't the personnel themselves.  

During the 2024 season, Watt played 85.9% of all defensive snaps, Highsmith played 48.08%, and Herbig played 38%. Herbig also played on about 38% of the special teams snaps as well, whereas both Watt and Highsmith played less than 10%. The breakdown has some concerns about how they share the wealth among the three linebackers. Watt seemed to wear down as the season wore on and was all but invisible their last two games, registering virtually zero statistical impact. 

However, there are also concerns that they aren't making the most of Herbig or they should be using him elsewhere. After all, at 6'2" and roughly 230 pounds, Herbig is on the small side for an outside linebacker. In comparison, Watt and Highsmith are 6'4" and about 240-250 pounds. This led to a Steelers fan writing into Mark Kaboly's popular mailbag segment and asking if Herbig would be a better fit as an inside linebacker. Kaboly, who works for The Pat McAfee Show, said that is a bad idea. 

"No," said an adamant Kaboly. "The cardinal rule is that you don't move a professional player to another position considering that he made it to the NFL by being great at another position. I am sure there are some exceptions to the rule, but he's never played inside linebacker and if they want to use him more, there are ways to move around Watt and Alex Highsmith to allow that to happen."

The idea of moving Watt around isn't a new one. He started off the 2024 season as a favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, but his effectiveness waned between being chipped and held all season, and then some late injuries. The decision not to move around is reportedly Watt's, but the coaches will have to step in this season because it made it far too easy for other offenses to render him ineffective. Even Watt said that he realizes he has to be more open to moving because he wants to impact the game and knows he wasn't.  

Watt said he doesn't want to take snaps away from his teammates. A rotation that includes Herbig more could benefit the whole defense. Herbig isn't Watt, but he has shown the skills and ambition to be impactful. A fourth-round pick in 2023, Herbig played in every game his rookie season and netted three sacks, two forced fumbles, and 27 total tackles. In 2024, he only played in 13 games because of an injury and still had four forced fumbles, five and a half sacks, and 22 total tackles. 

Steelers Linebacker Room Benefits From Strong Chemistry

Herbig recently said one of the things that makes the outside linebacker room good is their chemistry. He said he owes thanks to their coach, Denzel Martin, as well as Watt and Highsmith. 

He said they have no egos. They do not worry about themselves. They worry about the team as a whole. Watt and Highsmith didn't shut Herbig out; they brought him into the fold and mentored him. 

Having a strong depth piece like Herbig is a considerable advantage. When Highsmith or Watt have been out with an injury, the level of play dropped precipitously in the past. Now Herbig can step in and provide defensive continuity. 

Do you agree that moving Herbig to inside linebacker is a bad idea? Tell us what you think below!