Steelers 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft after Allen Robinson trade

Nick Herbig is perfect EDGE depth behind Watt and Highsmith for the Steelers

No one is going to unseat the fantastic pass-rushing duo that the Steelers currently have as the starters with perennial superstar T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, who the team wants to keep around for the long haul. However, when you get past those guys, it’s hard not to see the distinct lack of depth on the edge in Pittsburgh, which was made even more evident when Watt was injured last season.

That’s where someone like Nick Herbig could come into the equation. Not only is his brother already in Pittsburgh as an offensive lineman, but the Wisconsin product is a late Day 2 diamond in the rough.

Because of his lack of length and experience, Herbig could be a hybrid player early with the ability to play off the ball and as a rusher. But his instincts and ability to eat through blocks as a rusher are evident and he could dramatically improve the depth chart on defense.

Juice Scruggs should compete with Mason Cole to be the Steelers center

Mason Cole has undoubtedly been an upgrade at center for Pittsburgh in recent years as he’s a serviceable NFL player. But especially after the Steelers took Wright in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Cole is left as the weak link of the offensive line group. That’s a place where the franchise could look to upgrade or, at the very least, bring in some competition for Cole. Juice Scruggs could come in and be that player.

Scruggs isn’t going to wow anyone, but he logged more than 1,800 snaps for Penn State in the last two seasons alone. He’s experienced, doesn’t have obvious weaknesses that would hold him back at the pro level, and can be a player who can come in and push Cole. Competition in training camp and practices only gives Pittsburgh a look at their best option and Scruggs entering the fray would help the line as a whole, either by taking the starting job or motivating Cole to hang onto it.

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