Nate Herbig brings versatility to the New York Jets’ offensive line
After inking Pro Bowl guard Laken Tomlinson, the New York Jets‘ starting unit along the interior of the offensive line was set, but they still lacked good depth.
While Dan Feeney is a decent center/guard backup, the Jets still needed more, especially considering that both Greg Van Roten and Alex Lewis were no longer on the team.
Enter Nate Herbig, a UDFA steal for the Philadelphia Eagles back in 2019 who made 17 starts for the team in three seasons. Herbig made starts at both guard spots and also played some snaps at center.
Against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4, Herbig made his first start as a Jet, filling in for Alijah Vera-Tucker at right guard. Vera-Tucker moved to left tackle to fill in for George Fant.
Due to an onslaught of injuries along the offensive line, Herbig’s time in the starting lineup may last quite a while longer. So, it is a good time review Herbig’s career film with the Philadelphia Eagles to get an idea of what he brings to the table.
In the latest Blewett’s Blitz film review, we answer every question that Jets fans might have about Nate Herbig.
- What does he offer the Jets?
- Could he develop into a starter?
- How does he fit the Jets scheme?
- Why was he released by the Eagles if he is apparently good based on some claims?
All of these questions and many more are answered on this edition of Blewett’s Blitz. Plus, Nate Herbig’s strengths and weaknesses are listed below, as is the full, member-only film breakdown.
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Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Size
- Throws some fake/circle punches
- Active eyes overall
- Timing coming off combos vs quick penetration
- Thick lower half
- Broad shoulders
- Plays with good control in run game
- Works to reset hands in pass pro (mostly)
- Gets inside arm in a powerful “lift” position in pass pro when possible
- Uses overlap technique often
- Gets depth and scans when uncovered in pass pro
- Anchor
- Saw reps at both center and guard
- Picks up stunts and blitzes well
- Takes good angles to cut off on outside zone climbs
- Awareness
- Patient in pass pro
Weaknesses
- Slow punch
- Needs to cover with lower half with more consistency
- Has trouble rolling hips and playing with good leverage into blocks
- Doesn’t always take proper angles on 1st level
- Can give up on plays early
- Lacks explosion
- Slow
- Doesn’t work feet to maintain positional leverage
- Could struggle athletically on reach blocks and getting to 2nd level
- Grip strength
- Doesn’t stick with blocks long
- Change of direction
- Flexibility
- Lateral movement
- Boxy
- Gets caught in chest as he carries hands low
- Punch can be late
- Struggles at time to match any quick penetration
- Not going to be leading any screens
- Needs to dictate blocks more
- Plays very high
- Not a consistent understanding of run angles and positional leverage
- Needs to drive feet in run game
- Lacks aggression
- Labors to set point at times
- Question: was he injured to start the year where he looked slower than he was at end of year?
Member-only Nate Herbig film breakdown
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