Steelers Rookie Was Among College Football’s Best Run Defenders
The Pittsburgh Steelers found a run-defending gem in Iowa State defensive lineman Yahya Black in the fifth-round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
After the Baltimore Ravens gashed the Pittsburgh Steelers in Baltimore (twice), Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan knew overhauling the defensive line was necessary. In the fifth-round, the Steelers selected Iowa defensive lineman Yahya Black. Black could be an early contributor as he was one of college football’s best-run defenders.
Black spent his entire college career at Iowa where he played with fellow Steelers draftee running back Kaleb Johnson. In the first-round, the Steelers picked Derrick Harmon whose strong suit is rushing the passer.
Black can do both, but he is much stronger against the run. Last season he ranked among the best in college football. In 2024, he ranked in the following:
T-6th in Run Stop % (9.3%)
T-7th in Total Run Stops (24)
T-14th nd in Tackles (26)
Additionally, he ranked among the lowest in missed tackles percentages.
Where could he fit in the Steelers lineup? Defensive line coach Karl Dunbar provided his outlook. “I think he’s going to be able to play all of it. I think he’s going to play a four technique. He can play nose.” Dunbar said of the former Hawkeye.
Don’t count it out either. Black told reporters after he was drafted, he will go wherever he was needed on the line. “I’m really just going to play wherever they need me. They have a good group. Wherever I fit in, learn and stuff like that.” He said in his draft press conference.
The Steelers are undoubtedly aiming to be stronger in the trenches after an underwhelming performance to end the year. After focusing on the offensive line in the 2023 and 2024 drafts, Khan and Andy Weidl have boosted the defensive line.
Not only did they select Harmon and Black, but they also picked up a gem in the fourth round in Jack Sawyer. Sawyer is known as an edge–setting run defender who can power the edge to pass rush as well.
The Steelers will have plenty of fresh youth now on the defensive line alongside Cameron Heyward and Keeanu Benton.
Alan Saunders and Aaron Becker provided reporting from Pittsburgh.