Steelers’ Cam Heyward Believes Pittsburgh Has A Secret LB On Their Roster That’s 'Going To Be A Monster'

The Pittsburgh Steelers have certainly been keeping busy this offseason, with rumors swirling that their activity may not yet be over. However, as the 2024 NFL Draft is finally here, all eyes are now squarely focused on the upcoming selections.

In the midst of this anticipation, Steelers' veteran defensive lineman Cam Heyward seized the spotlight with the release of a new episode of his podcast, Not Just Football with Cam Heyward, on Thursday.

During the show, Heyward's co-host, Hayden Walsh, raised the idea of bringing back a former Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree. Heyward's response was intriguing: while acknowledging Dupree's talent, he suggested that the Steelers' defense might not necessarily need him thanks to the emergence of their own "secret weapon," Nick Herbig.

“Well, I think you either got... you got [Nick] Herbig and Herbig is going to be a monster one of these days. I love the way he competes.”

Heyward's recent statement injects a fascinating layer into the ongoing Steelers' offseason narrative, offering insight into the organization's faith in its defensive depth and the burgeoning potential of emerging talents such as Herbig. The acknowledgment of the team's depth resonates strongly, particularly given the challenges faced during the 2023 season when the linebacker corps grappled with multiple injuries. 

Heyward's vote of confidence in Herbig underscores the Steelers' belief in his abilities and his potential to make a significant impact on the team's defensive scheme. As the Steelers navigate the offseason landscape, bolstering depth at the linebacker position remains low on the list of needs. However, nothing can be ruled out in the game of football where the next man up is always needed. 

The Steelers selected Herbig in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and his rookie season showcased glimpses of his potential. The Steelers had to rely on the rookie during crucial moments in the playoffs when TJ Watt was sidelined due to injury. These performances earned him praise from fans and insiders alike, with many anticipating his continued growth and ascent to stardom. Heyward, in particular, exudes confidence in Herbig's future trajectory.

While Herbig, like the rest of the Steelers' defense, faced challenges in a playoff bout against the Buffalo Bills, the experience proved invaluable for the young linebacker's development. Despite the setback, Herbig's rookie campaign boasted impressive statistics, including 27 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery across 17 games. As he gears up for his sophomore year in the NFL, Herbig remains focused on further honing his skills to make an even greater impact.

Steelers Not Looking For A Linebacker Via The Draft

With the draft looming large on the horizon, Steelers fans are eagerly awaiting how the team will continue to sculpt its roster for the upcoming season. While linebacker may not be an immediate area of concern, the Steelers will likely prioritize addressing other pressing needs such as wide receiver, center, offensive tackle, and cornerback in their draft strategy. As the offseason unfolds, the Steelers aim to bolster their squad for another run at gridiron glory.

The Steelers' linebacker corps remains robust, yet Steelers fans eagerly anticipate Cole Holcomb's return from injury. While the team remains optimistic about his recovery, the timeline remains uncertain. Getting Holcomb back would be amazing for the Steelers, but it doesn't appear like it'll happen soon. 

While it's improbable that the Steelers will prioritize drafting another linebacker, they remain open to all possibilities. If they come across a player they deem exceptional value, they might consider selecting one, akin to their approach with Herbig. However, it's not a pressing need at the moment.