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As much as the Wisconsin Badgers have been known for producing NFL-ready running backs, the argument could be made that they also have produced fantastic NFL linebackers. One just has to look at the accomplishments of JJ Watt, TJ Watt, and TJ Edwards to see that Wisconsin has its own case for the title “Linebacker U.”

Indeed, there are a plethora of former Wisconsin linebackers spread throughout the NFL. Edwards is in Chicago along with Jack Sandborn. Leo Chenal won the Super Bowl in his rookie season with the Kansas City Chiefs. Zach Baun plays for the New Orleans Saints and Vince Biegel recently played for the Baltimore Ravens.

The latest Badgers linebacker to be drafted is Nick Herbig, who was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Herbig had a monster preseason, earning a 92.5 PFF grade in the three games in which he played. He also accumulated four sacks in those three games.

Needless to say, heads were turned and Herbig has put himself on the map.

The Athletic Names Former Wisconsin Badgers Linebacker Nick Herbig as 1 of Their Most Intriguing Players to Watch

For some, it is surprising that Herbig saw so much success in the preseason because he is considered undersized for the linebacker position. He is 6’2″ and currently 242 pounds, though he weighed 227 pounds when he played at Wisconsin.

However, as Badgers fans know, he is a relentless pass rusher. Last season, Herbig had 11.0 sacks in 11 games. Steelers fans and the NFL media overall have taken notice. The Athletic ranked Herbig 23rd on their list of the 23 most intriguing players to watch this season. Of Herbig, they wrote:

“The Steelers already have two talented pass-rushers in T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, but the 2023 fourth-round pick out of Wisconsin had people around the league talking this preseason. Opposing scouts, Steelers teammates and coaches alike love the dog mentality, relentless attacking style, athleticism and toughness the 6-foot-2, 242-pound pass rusher has displayed. They predict a big year for Herbig in Pittsburgh’s defense.”

With Watt and Highsmith in front of him, Herbig will not get starters’ reps, but he will see the field a great deal. If he continues to produce like he did in the preseason, Pittsburgh will have quite the pairing of Wisconsin edge rushers.

Of course, Herbig was not the only Badgers defender drafted by Pittsburgh this year. The Steelers took defensive lineman Keeanu Benton in the second round.

For those wondering, Aaron Rodgers was ranked number one on the list. His successor, Jordan Love, was ranked 11th.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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