By Ray Porter Jr.
PITTSBURGH–The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up Day 3 of the NFL Draft with another steal to begin their day. With their 4th Round pick, they went back to Wisconsin to select Outside Linebacker Nick Herbig.
“We took Nick Herbig from Wisconsin,” said outside linebackers coach Denzel Martin. “Really like his pass-rushing ability, really like his competitiveness. His toughness is on tape. I think you see it, it’s very evident. I’m very excited to work with him. Looking forward to it.”
Hartwig (6-2, 240) played 3 seasons at Wisconsin. In his senior season, he played in 11 games (11 starts) games at outside linebacker. He led the Badgers with 11.0 sacks and 15.5 TFLs while ranking sixth on the team in tackles (47). He led the nation with 1.0sacks per game. His 15.5 TFLs led the Big Ten and ranked 18th in the country.
In 2022, he was named All-Big Ten first team (consensus), CBS Sports All-American second team, Walter Camp All-American second team, AFCA All-American second team, and Associated Press All-American third team.
He’s also the younger brother of new Steelers G Nate Herbig.
“I can’t really explain it to you. I’m at a loss for words. This is all I’ve ever dreamed about, to get a chance to play for the Steelers,” said Herbig. “Such a legendary organization, and I get to play with my brother, so that’s all I could ever ask for.”
With their first 7th Round pick (241st Overall), the Steelers selected Purdue CB Cory Trice, Jr.
“Good to be here. I guess we’re here to talk about [Cory] Trice [Jr.] from Purdue,” said Steelers Secondary Coach Grady Brown. “One thing I’ll say is we’ll look good getting off the bus this year in our first game with the two guys that we picked up. He did a great job at Purdue, taking up a lot of space on the line of scrimmage, played a lot of press coverage, and that’s huge. Really, just the way that he plays press, being able to go down and not play a motor technique, not back up, but really just used that 6-3, 6-2 frame to just take up a lot of space and make guys work on the line of scrimmage. So, really excited about getting him here. He has some toughness. He started his career off as a safety. He was a high school basketball player. So just a lot of good things just from a coaching standpoint to work with, and we’re looking forward to getting them in here.”
Trice (6-3, 206) played 4 seasons with the Boilermakers. In 2022, he was named All-Big Ten honorable mention (coaches, media); All Big-Ten third team (Pro Football Focus); and National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society. He started 13 games, making 34 tackles to go along with two interceptions and a team-high 10 pass breakups.
“Emotions, man, they’re kind of everywhere right now. I’m just excited just to be here and be in this position,” said Trice.
And with their second 7th Round Pick (251st Overall), the Steelers selected Maryland OT Spencer Anderson.
Anderson (6-5, 305) played 4 seasons with the Terrapins. In 2022, he Started all 13 games on the offensive line, 12 at right guard and one at right tackle. He blocked for a Maryland passing offense that ranked third in the Big Ten in 2022 by averaging 259.8 yards per game in the air.
Also in 2022, he was Pro Football Focus Preseason All-Big Ten second team & East-West Shrine Bowl 1000.
“My talks with Pittsburgh were very brief. I’ve talked to a lot of other teams,” said Anderson. “You never know with this draft process. You could be anywhere, and I’m happy that the Steelers took a chance on me, and I’m coming to bring my all.”
All in all, the Steelers felt like it was a successful draft. “Productive weekend. Really feel like we’re a better football team today than we were at 7:59 on Thursday,” said Steelers GM Omar Khan. “Can’t wait until we get to the rookie minicamp in a couple weeks and really see our new Steelers in action. It’s going to be fun. I think we’re in a good place.”
“Feel really good about the weekend, but probably equally as important, I felt good about the process, and I think that just tees up the weekend,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
Notes: The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to terms with seven undrafted rookie free agents:
Jordan Byrd, WR/RS (San Diego State)
Monte Pottebaum, FB (Iowa)
Tanner Morgan, QB (Minnesota)
B.T. Potter, K (Clemson)
David Perales, LB (Fresno State)
James Nyamwaya, DE (Merrimack)
Trevor Downing, C (Iowa State)
Please email Ray at [email protected]
