The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense in 2025 fell short of expectations, showing inconsistency throughout the season. Despite overall team struggles, individual players like Nick Herbig emerged as top performers, earning recognition among the NFL’s best edge defenders. Nick Herbig’s rise as a key defensive player underscores his growing impact on the field.
Recognition From Pro Football Focus Highlights Herbig’s Value
On Monday, Pro Football Focus analyst Ryan Smith released a ranking of the top 20 edge defenders based on 2025 performance metrics. Two Steelers earned places on this list: Nick Herbig tied for sixth, while Alex Highsmith just missed the top 10, placing 11th. Smith specifically praised Herbig as
“on the short list for most underrated players in the NFL today,”
highlighting his impressive pass-rush grade among 110 qualifying edge defenders.
Herbig’s pass-rush grade improved to 87.3 in 2025, ranking seventh overall, and Smith noted a considerable boost in his run-defense skills, with Herbig’s grade jumping from 48.2 in 2024 to 72.7 in 2025.
Strong Statistical Performance Despite Limited Playing Time
Even though Nick Herbig saw fewer snaps than other Steelers edge defenders ahead of him on the depth chart, his contributions remained significant. He ended the regular season with 7.5 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, 30 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, one interception, three passes broken up, and three forced fumbles. His effectiveness was particularly evident in the critical Week 18 AFC North title game against the Baltimore Ravens, where he pressured quarterback Lamar Jackson three times on just five pass-rush attempts and converted one of those pressures into a sack despite only playing 13 snaps.
Herbig’s Impact Highlighted in Key Moments
The impact of Herbig’s pass rush is evident in memorable plays, including a sack on Lamar Jackson that drew attention on social media. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses while on the field demonstrates a level of efficiency that encourages calls for increased playing time in future games. This growth is especially important considering his marked improvement in run defense, an area where he struggled in 2024 but showed clear advancement in 2025.
Herbig’s developing expertise against the run not only solidifies his role as a versatile defender but also adds a crucial dimension to the Steelers’ defense.
Alex Highsmith Also Excelling in Run Defense and Pass Rush
Like Herbig, Alex Highsmith also emerged as a valuable and versatile edge defender during the 2025 season. Smith praised Highsmith as
“another underrated player on a Steelers defense led by veterans such as T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward.”
Highsmith achieved a career-high run-defense grade of 82.2, ranking fourth among 118 edge defenders qualified in 2025.
Highsmith’s final statistics included 50 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 19 quarterback hits, three passes defensed, and one forced fumble. His consistent performance both rushing the passer and defending against the run was highlighted in detailed film analyses by experts like Alex Kozora, reinforcing his versatility and importance to the Steelers’ defensive unit.
Depth Challenges at Edge Rusher Positions Create Strategic Questions
The Steelers face a unique challenge with a surplus of talented edge rushers, including established stars T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and promising rookie Jack Sawyer. Despite Herbig’s clear impact in limited roles, his playing time remains comparatively low, sparking discussion among fans and analysts about the team’s best use of these resources. Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo predicts that general manager Omar Khan may explore trade options involving the team’s pass rushers during the offseason to optimize the roster.
Looking Ahead to the Steelers’ Defensive Future
With two edge defenders ranked among the NFL’s top 20 in 2025, the Steelers possess a strong foundation on their defensive front. Neither of those players was T.J. Watt, which emphasizes the depth and talent across the position group. As the Steelers prepare for 2026, questions remain about whether Nick Herbig and Alex Highsmith will maintain their standing among the league’s best edge defenders and whether both will continue their careers in Pittsburgh. The answers to these questions will be closely watched as the team aims to improve on a defense that had high expectations but inconsistent results in 2025.
EZ view of early Nick Herbig sack. Discards RB and gets Lamar Jackson #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/u04llSFmde
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) January 5, 2026
