The Pittsburgh Steelers made a strategic move in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting massive Iowa defensive tackle Yahya Black. As one of the standout linemen in college football, Black’s arrival promises to strengthen the Steelers’ run defense and deepen the team’s defensive line rotation. Let’s explore how Yahya Black fits with Pittsburgh and what fans can expect in the upcoming NFL season.

Who Is Yahya Black?

Yahya Black made a name for himself at Iowa by becoming a reliable anchor on the defensive line. He stands 6'6" and weighs 336 pounds, combining striking size with impressive athleticism. Over his college career, Black recorded 117 tackles, including 14 for a loss and 5.5 sacks. His long arms and quick reaction time also led to 10 pass defenses and three forced fumbles. This physical profile places him in a unique position to disrupt both running lanes and passing attempts.

Yahya Black’s Fit with the Steelers

The Steelers traded back in the draft to target Yahya Black, picking him at No. 164 overall. Pittsburgh’s defensive coaching staff views Black as more than just a space-filler. According to How he fits: Yahya Black, DT, Iowa, the Steelers plan to rotate him at defensive end in their 3-4 scheme, reducing the workload on All-Pro Cam Heyward. With the departure of some veteran linemen and the desire to boost run-stopping ability, Black’s power and length offer a much-needed boost. His presence will help the Steelers limit rushing yards allowed, one of the team’s big concerns from last season.

Mike Tomlin’s Take: The "F-350" Comparison

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin described Yahya Black as a "big chassis," even likening him to an F-350 truck due to his dominance at the line of scrimmage. Tomlin praised Black’s stout run defense, saying he takes up a lot of space and controls the point of attack. You can read more about Tomlin’s excitement for Black in ’Big Chassis’: Mike Tomlin Compares New Steelers DL Yahya Black To F-350 As Run Defender. This comparison highlights just how much faith the coaching staff has in Black’s ability to transform Pittsburgh’s defensive front.

Black’s Impact and Steelers Draft Profile

This draft marked a clear commitment by the Steelers to bulk up in the trenches. Alongside first-round pick Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black is expected to play significant snaps as part of a deep, competitive defensive line group. Over the past two seasons at Iowa, he averaged over 44 snaps per game, showing durability and consistency.

The Steelers’ investment in size and strength should help address the run defense issues that plagued them last season. The decision to select Black became even more important after reviewing the previous playoff performance, where stopping the run was a clear weakness. Want to see the full story? Check out Steelers draft huge defensive lineman in fifth round for more draft analysis and Black’s career statistics.

What to Expect in 2025

With training camp on the horizon, Steelers fans are eager to see how Yahya Black adapts to the NFL. His size, football IQ, and proven track record at Iowa suggest he can quickly become a reliable part of the defensive rotation. The battle for roster spots on the defensive line will be intense, but Black’s versatility gives him a strong chance to secure an important role.

Conclusion

Yahya Black represents Pittsburgh’s renewed commitment to dominance up front. His impressive college production and rare physical tools make him a fascinating addition to the Steelers. As the team looks to improve its run defense and develop new defensive stars, all eyes will be on Black to deliver. Stay tuned for an exciting 2025 NFL season with this promising rookie in black and gold.