After going undefeated in the previous two preseasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers finished the 2024 preseason winless. Over the course of their three games, the Steelers showcased some positives and some areas of concern. Unsurprisingly, the bulk of Pittsburgh’s positives from the preseason came on the defensive side of the ball. These positives are headlined by second-year pass rusher Nick Herbig, who is looking to build upon a productive 2023 rookie campaign.
Nick Herbig Highlights Steelers Preseason Winners
Consistent Dominance from Herbig
Apply the usual caveats to preseason production, but Herbig was a force in each of the Steelers’ preseason games. Some of his success came against projected starters, while some came against likely backups. What was consistent, though, was Herbig’s high-end athleticism and motor. Similar to T.J. Watt, Herbig is supremely explosive coming off the ball and never gives up on a play. Combine that with an always-improving pass rush repertoire, and it’s easy to understand the excitement around Nick Herbig.
2 years in a row Nick Herbig has been the NFL's highest-graded edge defender during the preseason by @PFF
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) August 25, 2024
The next step in Herbig’s ascent will be getting more snaps. Remember, despite all of his strengths, he is still playing behind Watt and Alex Highsmith, arguably the league’s best pass-rushing duo. Last year, in his rookie season, Herbig didn’t see many snaps, but his per-snap production exceeded Watt and Highsmith’s. Herbig was also Pittsburgh’s OLB4 last year; this year, he is the undisputed OLB3. The Steelers coaching staff will feel more comfortable giving Watt or Highsmith some extra breathers during games, knowing there won’t be much of a fall-off when Herbig takes the field.
Without a doubt, Nick Herbig was the Steelers’ biggest standout player from the preseason.
Zach Frazier Makes an Impact
Rookie center Zach Frazier was the Steelers’ biggest preseason bright spot on the offensive side of the ball. Drafted in the second round out of West Virginia, Pittsburgh selected Frazier with the intent of him being an instant starter. He was behind veteran Nate Herbig on the team’s official depth chart, but Frazier was trending towards becoming the starter. This point became moot when it was announced Herbig would miss the season with a shoulder injury.
Based on his performance in the preseason, the Steelers should be very comfortable with Frazier as their starting center. He was very good in the running game, which is no surprise given his college tape. Frazier’s run-blocking abilities, specifically being able to pull and get to the second level, will be crucial in Arthur Smith’s offense. All that said, Frazier might have been even better as a pass blocker in the preseason.
Zach Frazier is on the shortlist for being the most impressive rookie OL of the preseason pic.twitter.com/KEi33lJeQ8
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) August 19, 2024
Pittsburgh is hopeful they have their next Maurkice Pouncey. So far, Zach Frazier is off to a great start.
Keeanu Benton is a Budding Star
Nick Herbig isn’t the only defender from the Steelers 2023 rookie class to look dominant in the preseason. His former teammate at Wisconsin, Keeanu Benton, was a monster both as a pass rusher and a run stopper. Benton’s rookie campaign was similar to that of Herbig – low snap count but highly productive when he was on the field. This year, expect Benton to play significantly more snaps. He can be an every-down player and form a monstrous defensive line rotation with Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi.
Cory Trice’s Comeback Story
Yet another member of the Steelers 2023 rookie class, Cory Trice, didn’t enjoy a successful rookie season like Herbig and Benton. Instead, Trice missed his entire rookie season after tearing his ACL in training camp. Fast forward to 2024, and Trice seems to have played himself into a key depth role on Pittsburgh’s defense. The Steelers aren’t very deep at cornerback behind starters Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson. Trice was in a battle with Darius Rush to be the top backup at outside cornerback. Based on his performance in the preseason, Trice should be the winner of that battle. He wasn’t really tested down the field, but Trice did a great job locking down the line of scrimmage and was solid in run support.
The Steelers could look to sign more depth at cornerback following roster cutdowns. For now, though. Trice stands out as the top-depth piece.
Main Image: Barry Reeger – USA Today Sports
