Nick Herbig vs Peter Skoronski
Nick Herbig has been one of my favorite prospects since the preseason process this past summer. The next in a long line of edge rusher/stack linebacker hybrids Wisconsin is known for producing. Unlike players before him like Leo Chenal and Zack Baun, Herbig is a player with a balanced skillset NFL teams will love. One of the most bendy edge rushers who also brings strong hands to stun guards in the box. Herbig was able to put up 9 sacks in 2021, and already has 4 in 5 games this season. A pass rusher who can be deployed from multiple areas of the field, and one who is dangerous coming off the edge and attacking the blindside.
However there may be a roadblock standing his way out at left tackle. Peter Skoronski has filled the Rashawn Slater shaped hole on the Northwestern offensive line perfectly and looks to have a similar draft projection as his former teammate. Skoronski runs into some of the criticism Slater did due to his lack of elite height and arm length that NFL tackles are expected to have. Slater has been able to over come that for the Chargers and Skoronski looks to be another player capable of having good enough movement and technique to cover for his physical deficiencies. Herbig and the Wisconsin front will look to test Skoronski early on.