As the preseason continues to unfold, offensive and defensive gems who shined will be a new series on Fans First Sports Network.

The goal is to analyze five offensive and defensive gems from a selection of the 32 NFL franchises each week of preseason action and then do the same thing when the regular season arrives.

In this second segment, two outside linebackers and three defensive backs top the list.

STEELERS OLB NICK HERBIG: 

Several weeks ago, I wrote an article titled: ‘3 Steelers defensive players who need to shine during training camp’ in which I discussed outside linebacker Nick Herbig and how he must step up in a critical year two.

Herbig finished his rookie campaign with 27 total tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. There were flashes of promise and excitement, but the learning curve took a hit at times. Having a future Hall of Fame teammate in T.J. Watt can most definitely help Herbig and his progression, but execution and playmaking must be seen.

When the Steelers faced off against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday evening, the defense was flying all around the football and playing strong. Herbig ended up capturing six tackles (3 solo, 3 assisted), 1 TFL, 2 QB hits, and 1.5 sacks. The second year man from the University of Wisconsin must continue to make plays when his name is called upon.

FALCONS CB NATRONE BROOKS:

Standing at 5-foot-11 inches and 175 pounds, Falcons Natrone Brooks may seem like an undersized cornerback but did not show any fear versus a tough Baltimore Ravens offense. Brooks not only stood out as one of the positive winners from the team’s 13-12 loss, but his fight and determination may give him more opportunities in the coming months.

Brooks finished with 13 total tackles (8 solo, 5 assisted), and one forced fumble. Physicality is what Brooks hangs his hat on and size does not matter to him even though opposing teams may try to pick on him.

VIKINGS SAFETY LEWIS CINE:

Minnesota Vikings safety Lewis Cine had a solid performance against the Cleveland Browns. Cine is a 2022 first-round draft selection from the University of Georgia. Vikings fans want to see him succeed as he has not played much during his first two seasons in the league.

Sidelined by a compound fracture injury his rookie season, Cine has not caught a break. That is until this week’s solid performance in preseason game two where the 24-year-old safety registered 11 tackles (5 solo, 6 assisted), one sack and one interception. He was all over the place, proving to the organization that he is back and ready to make a direct impact in 2024.

BUCCANEERS OLB JOSE RAMIREZ: 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Jose Ramirez is making the most out of his preseason opportunities. Being a bit undersized at 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, the former Eastern Michigan 2023 sixth-round draftee has something many linebackers crave – elite quickness.

Ramirez used his quickness to register five tackles (4 solo, 1 assisted), and three sacks. The Buccaneers fans and coaches like what they have seen from Ramirez as he continues to make plays throughout the preseason.

CHIEFS CB CHRISTIAN ROLAND-WALLACE: 

Rookie cornerback Christian Roland-Wallace was a one-man wrecking crew during the team’s 24-23 loss to the Detroit Lions. Roland-Wallace captured 13 total tackles (7 solo, 6 assisted) along with one pass deflection.

The former USC Trojan cornerback in his first season with the Chiefs has put together a solid preseason/ training camp and will look to finish strong with their final contest on August 22nd versus the Chicago Bears.

WRAP-UP: 

These are five defensive gems who shined during week two of the NFL preseason. If you missed the first defensive segment, click here.

Make sure to look for more gems articles next week as we tackle preseason week three.