Preseason stats don't count in the scheme of things, but learning from the best (ahem, T.J. Watt) has started to pay dividends for second-year pass-rusher Nick Herbig.

With Watt and Alex Highsmith sidelined for the preseason, Herbig took his opportunity to shine by the horns. Logging 3.5 sacks and six quarterback pressures, Herbig finished the preseason as the league's highest-graded EDGE with an elite overall grade of 93.1 (92.6 pass-rush, 68.7 run-defense) from Pro Football Focus.

According to PFF's advanced stats (paywall), Herbig also earned an elite grade (92.5) in the preseason of his rookie year, ranking third behind only Titans' Denico Autry and Bears' Trevis Gipson.

“We’re going to find a role for a guy like that, whether he’s a starter or not,” Mike Tomlin said of Herbig after the Steelers August 24 preseason finale. “He’s got an opportunity to be significant.”

The second-year defender out of Wisconsin is already playing like a seasoned pro and making a significant impression on Tomlin.

“He’s behaving like a guy that’s been a lap around the track,” Tomlin said. “He’s finding his footing, man. He wants to be impactful.”

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers EDGE Nick Herbig leaves elite mark on 2024 preseason