No team in the NFL loves the talent of the Wisconsin Badgers more than the Pittsburgh Steelers. They’ve been doing well in Pittsburgh this spring, as two former Badgers have been named to The Athletic’s OTAs “winners.”
The Steelers have six former Badgers players on their roster: Tyler Beach, Keeanu Benton, Nick Herbig, Isaiahh Loudermilk, TJ Watt and Russell Wilson.
Former Wisconsin Badgers QB Russell Wilson is doing well
This summer, one of the most crucial quarterback battles in the league will be between Wilson and former Ohio State signal-caller Justin Fields. Kaboly called Fields one of The Steelers’ “Losers” This Spring. He doesn’t think Fields can Wilson’s eclipse after OTA:
You couldn’t have asked for much more from Wilson during OTAs and minicamp, on and off the field. His leadership is more than noticeable, and it’s been that way since the first day he showed up. What stood out was his knack for the arm, whether it was throwing to the flat, the goal line or down the field.
Wilson did nothing in 12 practices to even remotely suggest he might lose the quarterback spot Justin FieldsThe work ethic, experience, attacking talent and the fact that he has made the most of his first-team opportunities strongly suggest that nothing Wilson can do between July 24 and September 8 will prevent him from starting.
This spring’s “winner” was Nick Herbig
One Badger will head to training camp as an outside hitter looking to earn playing time for the Steelers this season. The Steelers defense is loaded with talent, and 2023 fourth-round draft pick Nick Herbig will need to continue the momentum he’s gained in OTAs to become more lively on the unit during the regular season. Kaboly believes Herbig has looked better this spring than last season:
Mike Tomlin keeps talking about that second-year jump, but it doesn’t seem to happen often. Herbig won’t disappoint. His speed is better than last year, but his addition of movement as a pass rusher stands out.
Sure, he’s undersized, but he also overshot Jaylen Warren during exercise, so how undersized can it be? Topic: Where will the Steelers be? find snaps for himespecially with T.J. Watt AND Alex Highsmith both play over 80 percent of the defensive snaps per game?
Herbig has been a significant contributor on special teams in 2023. He played in 17 percent of the Steelers’ defensive snaps last season and showed flashes of promise. Herbig finished his rookie campaign with 27 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles.
Related: Jordan Love Praises TJ Watt
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